The New Zealand Cruise Association has reported CEO Kevin O’Sullivan will finish up at the organisation June 30 after announcing his retirement earlier this week.
Kevin has been the association’s CEO for the past four and a half years. Prior to that he was on the NZCA board for 15 years whilst holding the role of Regional Harbourmaster at Environment Southland.
He led NZCA through the most turbulent time the sector has ever experienced, and both the board and wider cruise industry stakeholders are deeply appreciative of the tireless work he undertook to facilitate and support the recovery of the sector, says a statement from NZCA.
“Kevin will be missed immensely by all in our industry,” says former chair Debbie Summers.
“He has worked tirelessly and in particular, throughout our battle to restart these past years.
“NZ Cruise is in a better place for all his efforts. As chair, I particularly appreciated Kevin’s relentless positivity and sheer determination as he liaised and negotiated with the many stakeholders required to enable the sector’s recovery post-COVID.”
Current chair, Jacqui Lloyd has been appointed to the CEO position and will start June 1.
She has more than 20 years of tourism, cruise and senior management experience, including her most recent role as general manager of Destination Marlborough.
“Jacqui is the perfect person to lead NZCA through the next phase of the sector’s recovery,” says NZCA deputy chair Tansy Tompkins.
“Her extensive tourism background, senior leadership experience and relationship skills will help NZCA to further develop strategic alliances, unite our sector and expand our presence on the world stage as the cruise industry rebounds.”
Jacqui says she is excited to be taking up the CEO role at NZCA, largely due to the excellent leadership of Kevin O’Sullivan over the past four years.
“I believe the NZCA is in a brilliant position as the industry returns. I’m looking forward to working with members, stakeholders, and our local communities to ensure New Zealand is both positioned as the best cruise destination for industry, and that it’s an industry that contributes to the economic, social, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of New Zealand.”
A new chair will be announced in due course.
