Rotorua's new economic growth agency has announced its chief executive.
Michelle Templer will head the Rotorua Lakes Council's new council controlled organisation (CCO) Rotorua Economic Development Ltd, operating as Destination Rotorua.
The CCO formed on July 1 is an amalgamation of the former economic growth CCO Grow Rotorua and the council's regional tourism organisation Destination Rotorua. The three functional areas of responsibility include business development, investment attraction and tourism growth.
Templer is currently working in Auckland as Coalition and Sector Manager for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, and previously held positions as regional director and Consul Commercial for Australia and the Pacific and Trade Commissioner for the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Destination Rotorua board chairman Peter Stubbs said in a field of strong candidates Templer stood out because of her breadth of relevant experience.