Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s (TECNZ) CEO Lesley Immink has stepped down from the role in order to pursue a career in politics.

TECNZ chairman Martin Horgan said Lesley was given a great farewell on her last day in the role on Friday, 30 June.

“It was a great opportunity to celebrate Lesley’s accomplishments over her 6 year tenure at TECNZ, and to wish her all the best for her political aspirations with The Opportunities Party (TOP),” said Martin.

The Council is still in the process of recruiting a new CEO.

“In the meantime”, says Martin, “I wanted to confirm it is very much business as usual at TECNZ, with ongoing preparation for our almost sold-out August conference and the other business and issues we are dealing with.”

In the interim Lisa Sinclair will be running the office in Wellington, and can be contacted at info@tourismexportcouncil.org.nz, with Lesley’s email and phone also diverting to Lisa.