** MEDIA RELEASE **

Bundaberg Tourism has appointed experienced tourism, commercial and destination leader Duncan Littler as its new Chief Executive Officer, following an extensive executive recruitment process.

Mr Littler will commence in the role on 17 August 2026, leading the organisation into its next chapter as it continues to grow the value of the regional visitor economy and advance the long-term ambitions of the Bundaberg and North Burnett destination.

The appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process undertaken by the Bundaberg Tourism Board in partnership with independent, Brisbane-based executive recruitment specialists OnTalent.

The process attracted more than 40 qualityapplications, with 5 candidates shortlisted for interview, followed by detailed assessment and due diligence before the Board made its final appointment.

Bundaberg Tourism Board Chair Daniel Reeves said the strength of the candidate field reflected both the standing of Bundaberg Tourism and the significance of the opportunity to lead the region’s visitor economy.

“The appointment of a Chief Executive Officer is one of the most important responsibilities of any Board, and we approached this process with the rigour it deserved,” Mr Reeves said.

“Working with independent executive recruitment specialists, the Board undertook a thorough and competitive process to ensure we identified the right leader for both Bundaberg Tourism and the destination at this important point in its evolution.

“We were fortunate to consider a strong field of international interest, and Duncan emerged as the outstanding choice to lead Bundaberg Tourism into its next chapter.”

Mr Littler brings extensive senior leadership experience spanning tourism, visitor experience, brand, commercial strategy and destination development through a career of more than 15 years with Diageo and Bundaberg Rum.

His career includes leading the transformation of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery Visitor Experience into one of Australia’s most awarded tourism attractions, directing its $8.5 million redevelopment, developing major visitor experiences and events, and leading commercial, brand and innovation initiatives with national reach.

Mr Littler also brings a deep understanding of Bundaberg Tourism and the regional visitor economy, having previously served the organisation as a Director, Deputy Chair and Chair.

Mr Reeves said the combination of executive leadership, commercial capability, tourism experience and deep regional knowledge positioned Mr Littler strongly to lead the organisation forward.

“Duncan brings an unusual combination of commercial leadership, tourism expertise, governance experience and a genuine commitment to this region,” Mr Reeves said.

“He has spent much of his career helping to create experiences that have put Bundaberg on the national and international tourism stage, while also understanding first-hand the role strong partnerships between industry, government and community play in building a successful destination.

“Importantly, Duncan understands that the role of Bundaberg Tourism extends well beyond marketing a destination. It is about stewarding the long-term success of our visitor economy, supporting a strong and capable industry, strengthening partnerships and ensuring tourism continues to make a positive contribution to our communities and regional economy.

“The Board is excited about the leadership Duncan will bring to Bundaberg Tourism, shaping the the region’s next chapter.”

Mr Littler said he was honoured to have the opportunity to lead an organisation and destination with which he has had a long association.

“Tourism has an incredible ability to create jobs, strengthen communities and showcase everything that makes a region unique. When tourism succeeds, local businesses succeed, communities become more vibrant and more people choose to invest, live and build their future here. To have the opportunity to lead Bundaberg Tourism and help shape the next chapter of our region’s visitor economy is both a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly.”

“Bundaberg Tourism is an organisation I care deeply about and I am incredibly proud to have the opportunity to lead its next chapter. I’ve spent much of my career helping to create experiences that have inspired people to visit Bundaberg and I’m now excited to work alongside our tourism industry to help even more visitors discover everything the Bundaberg region has to offer.”

“Our region has extraordinary strengths: our people, our produce, our natural environment, the Southern Great Barrier Reef and a tourism industry that continues to innovate and evolve. Bundaberg Tourism has built exceptionally strong foundations and I’m excited about the opportunity ahead. Success isn’t simply about attracting more visitors. It’s about growing tourism in a way that strengthens our economy while protecting the natural, cultural and community values that make our region so special. If we get that balance right, tourism can continue to create lasting benefits for our industry, our communities and future generations.”

“One of the things I’ve always admired about this region is the passion and generosity of the people who work in tourism every day. Whether they’re welcoming guests, sharing local stories, serving local produce or creating unforgettable experiences, they are the heart of our visitor economy. I’m looking forward to working alongside them and helping create the conditions for them to continue doing what they do best. I’m also looking forward to working with the Board, the talented Bundaberg Tourism Team, our tourism operators, government partners and broader community to build on that momentum and continue positioning Bundaberg and the Southern Great Barrier Reef as one of Australia’s most distinctive regional destinations. The opportunity ahead of of us is significant. By continuing to work together I believe we can create a visitor economy that not only grows, but delivers lasting benefits for generations to come.”

Mr Littler said he was also looking forward to working closely with outgoing CEO Katherine Reid through the leadership transition.

“Katherine has made an extraordinary contribution to Bundaberg Tourism and to the development of our region as a destination over more than a decade. She has built an exceptional organisation and I have enormous respect for what Katherine, the Board and the Bundaberg Tourism Team have achieved. I’m looking forward to working closely with Katherine throughout the transition and building on those strong foundations as we begin Bundaberg Tourism’s next chapter.”

Mr Littler will formally commence as Chief Executive Officer on Monday, 17 August 2026, beginning with a structured four-week leadership handover with Ms Reid, supporting continuity across the organisation’s strategic priorities, stakeholder relationships and current program of work.

Following the handover, Ms Reid will step away from the Chief Executive Officer role and remain with Bundaberg Tourism for the final two months of her tenure to deliver a number of priority strategic projects and support a seamless organisational transition.

Mr Reeves said the planned transition provided an important bridge between two chapters of leadership.

“The Board is grateful to Katherine for the thoughtful way she has approached succession and transition planning,” Mr Reeves said.

“Having Katherine and Duncan working alongside one another through a dedicated handover period gives Bundaberg Tourism an exceptional opportunity to transfer knowledge and relationships, maintain momentum and ensure Duncan is well positioned to lead from the outset.

“This is an exciting new chapter for Bundaberg Tourism, and the Board looks forward to welcoming Duncan to the role and working with him, our team, industry and partners to continue building a thriving and sustainable visitor economy for our region.”

END