Melbourne Convention Bureau appoints CEO

The Melbourne Convention Bureau has announced the appointment of Julia Swanson to the permanent position of CEO. Swanson has been Acting CEO since Karen Bolinger stepped down in April of this year. 130 people were considered for the role, with five reaching the interview stage. Swanson was selected at the end of the process. Chris Barlow, Board Chair, confirmed the appointment in a letter dated 23 October. Barlow commented: “Julia is a passionate and driven tourism and business events professional with over 20 years of experience. In her 9 years with MCB, Julia has contributed strongly to the growth and success of the organisation in the global business events market. “Prior to MCB, she held the role of Area Director of Sales and Marketing VIC/SA/WA with IHG, overseeing sales and marketing performance for 8 hotels and new hotel openings. In her time as Acting CEO, Julia has driven stronger strategic alignment with Visit Victoria through her role on the Visit Victoria Leadership Team for the overall benefit of the visitor economy. “She holds a Master of Business (Hospitality & Tourism Marketing) and a Bachelor of Business (Catering and Hotel Management) and balances her work life with her fiancé and their two young children. “This appointment is recognition for Julia’s stakeholder relationships, knowledge and passion for the sector as well as leadership of the team which she has displayed since taking on the Acting CEO role. “The Bureau is well placed to continue the tremendous contribution it has made to Business Events in Victoria, and along with the Board, we wish Julia and the team further success as she takes up the MCB Chief Executive Officer position commencing 1 November 2019.”