BE Perth Welcomes Appointment of New Chair

One of Australia’s leading tourism advocates, Mr Bradley Woods (cover photo), has been appointed Chair of Business Events Perth (BE Perth) for a two-year term, effective 28 September 2021.

Bradley replaces outgoing Chair, Mr Kevin Skipworth CVO, who is retiring, following his significant contribution of five years leading BE Perth’s Board of Directors through challenging times for the industry.

“For nearly 30 years Bradley has been one of Australia’s leading advocates for the tourism, hotel and hospitality industries. With extensive leadership and expertise at Board level, including as a current Board Member of Tourism Australia, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Bradley back to the Board of BE Perth, now as Chair,” Kevin said.

Holding the position of CEO of the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) WA since 1998, Bradley Woods is currently Chair, Australia Day Council WA; Chair Commonwealth Government – Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Industry Reference Committee; Chair Hospitality Group Training; Board Member Ronald McDonald House Perth and Co-Founder and Board Member Healthy Mind Menu Inc.

Bradley said “I am delighted to return to the Board of BE Perth, now as Chair, and look forward to working with the Board representing the industry in Western Australia, which offers a world-class destination to national and international business events. Acknowledging current challenges, Western Australia is poised to make a strong recovery due to WA’s ability to suppress and manage COVID-19 over the past 18 months. Working collaboratively across the industry provides a strong foundation for job growth and economic recovery of which BE Perth is a key contributor.”

BE Perth’s chief executive, Gareth Martin, said “Bradley is highly respected with experience across the tourism industry, including business events, government relations, media and communications, board chairmanship and not for profit management. Having twice held Director positions on the Board of BE Perth (formerly Perth Convention Bureau), Bradley will significantly profile the value of business events toward the visitor economy, supporting jobs and growth for Western Australia.”

“On behalf of the organisation, I would like to sincerely thank Kevin for his time and strong commitment as Chair of Business Events Perth over the past five years and as the demands of the organisation have required over this period,” said Gareth. “I look forward to collaborating with Bradley and continuing to work closely with the state government through Tourism Western Australia and all of our member partners and stakeholders in the business events industry.”