Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase steps down after eight years
Destination NSW CEO and executive producer of Vivid Sydney, Sandra Chipchase, has announced she is leaving the state’s top promotional role after eight years.
Chipchase will assist Destination NSW with the transition, continuing to work with the organisation as it commences the recruitment process for its next chief executive in coming weeks.
Chipchase leaves Destination NSW after eight years in the top role
“It has been a privilege to lead the state’s tourism and major events organisation,” Chipchase said.
“I have achieved all the key goals I set for myself, the organisation and our state’s positioning and the time now feels right to pass the baton on.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres thanked Chipchase on behalf of the NSW government.
“Sandra has expertly dealt with the significant, constant and often relentless challenges in running a multi-tiered, enormously complex organisation with thirteen international offices. There is no denying she has the most outstanding track record of achievement of any tourism, business events or major events executive in the nation,” Ayres said.
“Under Sandra’s exceptional leadership, innovation and negotiation skills, NSW became number one again. I am very sorry to see her go as our state has benefitted enormously from Sandra’s unique skill set.”
Ayres noted that Chipchase’s accomplishments have included securing numerous important media and sporting events.
“Sandra negotiated key airline, travel trade and media partnerships including a three hour live TV broadcast of NBC’s Today Show and devised an Australian tourism first with Sony Music. She delivered much-needed positive reform in regional tourism, conceived hugely successful marketing campaigns for Sydney and NSW, gained the digital marketing leadership position for NSW, as well as led sector development strategies including the NSW China Strategy, Aboriginal Tourism Development Action Plan and the Regional NSW Conferencing Strategy,” the Minister said.
“Sandra has secured many major sporting events such as the Opening Series of Major League Baseball, College Football, EPL team matches with global brands such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, HSBC Sydney Sevens, regional events such as L’Tape Tour De France and created winning strategies and bids for Australian premiere theatrical productions and musicals such as Matilda, Frozen and Hamilton. Under her leadership we have broken every tourism record for visitor numbers, nights and expenditure every year of her tenure.”
Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres
The Minister concluded by noting Chipchase’s contribution to Vivid festival and the state’s positioning both domestically and globally.
“Sandra has also turbocharged the Vivid Sydney festival, taking on the role as executive producer to drive its growth to become not only the largest event in Australia but the largest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere collecting multiple awards along the way,” Ayres added.
“On behalf of the NSW government I wish Sandra well in all her future endeavours and thank her for the exceptional contribution she has made to growing our state’s economy and shaping our nation’s profile.”
Brittney Rigby was Mumbrella's deputy managing editor - news and analysis. She left Mumbrella in April 2021.
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I wonder if anyone ever, has taken the time to discover who it was that came up with the original Vivid concept and what happened to her?
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Great news
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About time. She wasn’t [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy]. I can imagine the staff are all [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy]
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Her biggest achievement is staying in the role for as long as she has. Extreme [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy] views on management among other things. [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy] you’d expect from such an organisation promoting one of the great tourism locations in the world.
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I did not enjoy [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy]
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What a way to go [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy] . Bye Bye.
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Should have [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy]
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Perhaps [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy]was finally listened to by the Government.
Hopefully the replacement will finally implement a brand strategy that will promote one of our country’s greatest assets effectively.
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A very good day for NSW, Australia and particularly all the staff at DNSW.
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[Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy]
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