Lisa Hopkins has been appointed the new chief executive of Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ).
The appointment comes after Sue Sullivan announced her resignation in September.
CINZ Board chair Tony Gardner welcomed Hopkins, who has held senior business events leadership positions in New Zealand and offshore for over a decade.
“Her broad, international experience working with clients and dealing with global industry topics will be invaluable for our members and stakeholders as New Zealand moves to a new level of competition on the world stage,” he said.
“She is a warm, relatable person who connects naturally and is looking forward to seeing how CINZ can provide even more value to our members.”
Hopkins was previously vice president and managing director, APAC for global event management company BCD Meetings and Events based in Singapore, and is currently a member of the Asia Pacific Advisory Board for international business events network PCMA.
She has also held senior leadership roles with cievents and Carlson Marketing in Singapore and New Zealand.
In New Zealand, she was director of the APEC Task Force for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade when New Zealand hosted the 1999 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play a leadership role in an industry I am deeply passionate about, with a team who I know are committed to its growth and development,” said Hopkins.
“Having spent the past eight years working with the exceptional leaders and teams at BCD Meetings and Events, I have been given a global perspective of the importance of what we do.
“Our industry encourages people to collaborate and make impactful decisions, exchange information which can save a life and share experiences that open the mind to a whole new world.
“I can’t wait to apply this to CINZ as we continue to make the business of business events, stronger, sustainable and always relevant.”
Hopkins will officially begin her new role as chief executive of CINZ based in Auckland on 3 February 2020.
