Tourism Noosa has appointed Melanie Anderson as the organisation’s new chief executive officer.

Anderson will step into the role in early November, as Steve McPharlin’s 12-month interim contract comes to an end.

Tourism Noosa chairman Drew Pearson welcomed her to the role.

“Melanie is a highly experienced leader within the Queensland tourism industry and her knowledge and experience in tourism will be an asset for not only our organisation but for our entire tourism industry,” said Pearson.

“We are confident that Melanie will carry on the great work that our organisation is doing for our tourism industry.”

Anderson has had a long career in senior executive roles spanning a number of industries nationally and internationally. Her most recent role was working for the Queensland Government as general manager of tourism industry development within the State Department of Innovation, Tourism Industry Development and Commonwealth Games.

In this role she encouraged growth in the Queensland tourism industry by facilitating a strategic whole-of-government approach to promotion, planning and investment in tourism assets, products and services.

Anderson also led the Queensland Government’s strategy to grow the tourism industry and create jobs by delivering Outback Tourism Infrastructure programs, including promoting the Year of Outback Tourism for 2019. These programs developed 30 new tourism products across Queensland and delivered new employment opportunities for the region.

“I am excited to take up the opportunity to lead Tourism Noosa and follow my passion to drive a more sustainable and innovative tourism experience for those lucky enough to live in and visit this beautiful region,” she said.