Former Queensland tourism boss Daniel Gschwind has been appointed Chair of Trade and Investment Queensland.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Mr Gschwind’s experience guiding one of Queensland’s most important export industries through the pandemic would provide him with vital insight for his new role.
“For more than two decades, Daniel was the most recognised face of Queensland’s tourism sector,” the Premier said.
“The experience he has gained in that role and his understanding of both international markets and businesses right across Queensland will stand him in good stead for this new role.”
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said Mr Gschwind is well positioned to guide Queensland through the opportunities that are emerging for Queensland businesses
“Daniel was one of the leading faces of our tourism industry during the coronavirus pandemic, guiding the industry through an energised response and recovery plan,” the Treasurer said.
“Tourism is all about showcasing Queensland nationally and internationally, and Daniel will now bring his extensive experience, partnerships and networks to further enhance Queensland’s trade and investment opportunities to a global audience.”
Mr Gschwind said he is excited to be joining an organisation like TIQ.
“Queensland’s engagement with the rest of the world, through trade in our goods and services, is a fundamental driver of our state’s prosperity,” Mr Gschwind said.
“There has never been a better time than now to take advantage of Queensland’s growth momentum over the next decade.
“With the skills and resources of TIQ, Queensland’s businesses, innovators, entrepreneurs and indeed the community will have a strong ally in connecting with the world.”
The former Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO was born in Switzerland and is fluent in German and French.
Mr Gschwind is currently Professor of Practice at Griffith University’s Institute for Tourism.
He replaces former Queensland Government Special Representative to China and Vietnam the Honourable Steve Bredhauer who has been TIQ chair since December 2015.
Another change to the TIQ Board is the appointment of Ms Angela Young who is replacing Mr Jim Varghese, a member since 2019.
Ms Young is the Director of Startups at BDO Australia. She was the Founder Coach and Community Coordinator for QUT Entrepreneurship and has more than 20 years’ experience in supporting and developing start-ups and small-to-medium sized enterprises.
Ms Young holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Psychology from Central Queensland University and an Executive Education Certificate from MIT’s Sloan School of Management.
“I thank Steve as Chair and Jim Varghese as a board member for their significant contributions supporting the state and its trade and investment efforts,” the Treasurer said.
Trade and Investment Queensland is delivering the recently launched $150 million Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy 2022-2032.
“On the back of a global pandemic, as economies look to recoup and recover, the importance of trade and investment has never been greater,” the Treasurer said.
“That is why this government is investing an extra $150 million over the next decade to deliver a new 10-year trade and investment strategy.
“This strategy will ensure that Trade and Investment Queensland can continue to support our exporters to reach new markets, boost sales where they are already trading, as well as to attract more overseas investment into Queensland.”
