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On Tuesday, Russ Browne was appointed by Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council to the Tourism Bay of Plenty Board.
 
Mayor Tenby Powell said the appointment of trustees to council-controlled organisations (CCOs) is an important council function, as it is the trustees who are responsible for ensuring agreed outcomes are effectively delivered.
 
“I’m confident that Tourism Bay of Plenty has a strong and capable Board, that is well-placed to deliver their destination management strategy,” he said. “Russ has the financial experience, commercial acumen and knowledge of the tourism industry identified by the appointment panel and I have no doubts that his appointment will help Tourism Bay of Plenty meet its strategic goals.”
 
Russ Browne
A chartered accountant and member of the Institute Directors, Russ has been a partner at local accounting practice, Manning Warner Brown for 14 years and was previously financial controller at Tourism Holdings Limited.
 
Russ has significant governance experience as an independent director and chair of several iconic tourism experiences, including Tauhara North Tourism, Ngati Tuwharetoa Chris Jolly Outdoors on Lake Taupo and Aro Ha Limited wellness retreat on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. He is also elected board chair of Otumoetai College and a volunteer with Breakfree Expeditions and Otumoetai Football Club.
 
Laurissa Cooney, Tourism Bay of Plenty Chair, is delighted to welcome Russ to the Board.
 
“He brings vast experience and fantastic connections across the region and the sector. The board is looking forward to working with Russ. His skillsets complement those of our current board as we work with our team to re-think regional tourism in a post-COVID environment.”
 
“I’d also like to thank outgoing trustee, Peter Moran, for the significant contribution he has made over the past four years – as both a board member and chair of our Audit and Risk Committee.”
 
Tourism Bay of Plenty is a trust and CCO, jointly controlled by Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. The new appointment is effective immediately.