Steve was appointed to the position of Independent Chair in November 2021. A seasoned and well-respected industry leader he brings to the role, experience working with all levels of local and central government, public affairs, and the corporate sector. In 2013, Steve joined Auckland Unlimited (formerly Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development) - the region’s cultural and economic growth agency. As General Manager – Destination, he oversaw portfolios in tourism marketing, business and major events, international education, and destination management. Steve guided the development of the Destination AKL 2025 strategy document, which set a new direction for the development of the region as a leading global destination for domestic and international travellers while at the same time enhancing it as the place to live, work, do business and invest in. More recently, Steve has been Managing Partner at Daylight, a consultancy specialising on strategy across the visitor economy, and he is currently Chief Executive of Hospitality New Zealand. Steve has a Masters of Arts (Hons) in political science from the University of Auckland.