The Perth Convention Bureau Board has appointed Graham Muir as Executive Chairman following the resignation of its Managing Director Anne-Maree Ferguson.

Mr Muir has been the Bureau’s Chairman for the past 10 months and will assume the Managing Director’s responsibilities for the next 14 months.

Ms Ferguson is stepping down as Managing Director after more than 12 years in the role.

Mr Muir said Ms Ferguson had done an outstanding job as Managing Director. “During her time at the helm of the Bureau it has become internationally recognised for its non-traditional approach to business tourism marketing,” he added.

“The Bureau under her stewardship has become a member of the Western Australian Tourism Awards Hall of fame and is the only Bureau in the world to have twice won the International Congress and Convention Association’s prestigious best marketing award.

“This is a great testament to her abilities as a leader not only at the Bureau but also in providing direction for the wider business tourism industry in Western Australia. Anne-Maree is leaving because she feels it is time to recharge her batteries and look at other opportunities. She also has a young family and plans to  devote more time to her children.”

“Anne-Maree is leaving the Bureau in excellent shape. In the financial year just end, the Bureau secured convention and incentive travel business worth more than $72 million in direct delegate expenditure. This is an excellent return on the State Government’s annual investment of just over one $1.4 million.”

Mr Muir said he looked forward to the challenge of adding an executive role to his chairmanship

duties.

“The Bureau is well regarded as a benchmark for similar organisations around the world and I look forward to being involved in a management capacity at an important time in the industry’s development,” he added.