Julia Swanson  appointed as the CEO of Melbourne Convention Bureau

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

After the departure of Karen Bolinger in April this year, a through recruitment process commenced and Julia Swanson stepped into the Acting CEO position.

After 6 agencies were invited to present their proposal, Fisher Leadership were appointed to conduct the work. Following a wide-ranging recruitment process, 130 people were considered for the role and 76 formal expressions of interest were received.  In-depth reviews were undertaken and five people were invited to attend interview.

After through assessment Julia was appointed, who is a passionate and driven tourism and business events professional having more than 20 years of experience. Julia had a significant role in the growth and success of the organisation in the global business events market during her 9 years with MCB.

Before serving MCB she worked with IHG as the Area Director of Sales and Marketing VIC/SA/WA. Here she oversaw sales and marketing performance for 8 hotels and new hotel openings.

Strong strategic alignment was driven by her with Visit Victoria  on the Visit Victoria Leadership Team for the overall benefit of the visitor economy during her time as the Acting CEO.

She holds a Master of Business (Hospitality & Tourism Marketing) and a Bachelor of Business (Catering and Hotel Management) and balances her work life with her fiancé and their two young children.

This appointment is recognition for Julia’s stakeholder relationships, knowledge and passion for the sector as well as leadership of the team which she has displayed since taking on the Acting CEO role.

From November 1, 2019 , Julia will take up as the role of the MCB Chief Executive Officer position . The bureau is well placed to continue the tremendous contribution it has made to the Business Events in Victoria.

« Back to Page

• Victoria: Bookings of 61,375 hotel room nights and contributes $148 million into the economy

• Melbourne welcomes 50000 delegates from across the globe