The Destination Queenstown team and Board are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Graham Budd on Friday, April 15.
Graham was part of the DQ team for 12 years, leading the organisation in the role of chief executive for eight years, until 2020. He was a highly respected and much-admired part of the Queenstown community and a highly skilled and passionate advocate for the tourism sector.
His contribution to DQ and the industry has been hugely significant, and he led the organisation through many milestones, changes and challenges over his tenure.
DQ chairman Richard Thomas says Graham’s contribution to Destination Queenstown over his 12-year term at DQ had been incredibly positive.
“Graham led the organisation and the DQ team through a period of time when Queenstown underwent many changes. He was always deeply committed to the organisation, the industry and the people he led. He was a caring and kind leader as well as being very effective in his role.
“He also represented the Queenstown tourism industry and Queenstown Lakes District at a national level on the boards of Tourism Industry Aotearoa and Regional Tourism New Zealand, where he was also Chair for three years,” says Richard.
The Destination Queenstown Board and team would like to extend their deepest sympathy and condolences to Graham’s family.
