Seasoned Queensland business executive Mark Girard is the new CEO of Invest Gold Coast.
Gold Coast Acting Mayor Mark Hammel said Mr Girard would play a crucial role in delivering new business to the region, through the city’s investment and economic development organisation.
Cr Hammel said Mr Girard had held strategic leadership roles across significant Queensland based infrastructure and investment projects including as Managing Director of Queensland Treasury Corporation, Program Director of QCN’s CopperString delivery team and CEO of Local Government Infrastructure Services.
He said he also served on the board of Seqwater and was Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee at Cross River Rail Delivery Authority.
“Mark’s leadership will be critical to attracting investors and ensuring their proposals align with Council’s vision,” Cr Hammel said.
“His ability to deliver large-scale projects and deep understanding of local and state government make him the ideal person to lead Invest Gold Coast into its next phase.”
City of Gold Coast CEO Tim Baker said the Gold Coast was attracting big business and Mr Girard’s appointment, which begins at the end of the month, would ensure every opportunity was capitalised on.
“The effective leadership of Invest Gold Coast will be key to unlocking billions of dollars and creating thousands of jobs for locals.”
Invest Gold Coast Chair Will Hodgman said there had been a determination to secure the right person to fill this important role.
“The team at the new established Invest Gold Coast has already been working hard to keep the Gold Coast as the fastest growing economy in the nation, and having Mark at the helm will further galvanise our position as a premier investment destination.”
Mr Girard said it was a privilege to be able to play a role in shaping the future of the Gold Coast.
“The Gold Coast belongs on the world stage, and I’m looking forward to working together with Council, the City and the team at Invest to put it there.”
