Our Directors are appointed in accordance with our Constitution. Annually, our Industry representative associations have the opportunity to nominate for appointment to the Board, which gives them the opportunity to take a position as a Director. Associations qualify to nominate depending on the function of their association, their member base, and whether they are located in a local government area that is a financial partner of Tourism East. Our Directors work together with our Executive Team to market and facilitate the development of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges visitor economy, maximising the economic and social benefits that flow to the region.

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Leigh Harry, Independent Chair

With a long history in the tourism industry, many of our partners will recognise Leigh from his previous roles as CEO of Tourism Victoria and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. During his career, he’s held a number of significant board roles in the tourism and business events industry at a state, national and international level.

Leigh’s career experience includes roles in both the private and government sectors, and he holds a Commerce Degree with honours in accounting. Leigh joined the Board as a Skills Director in 2017 and has been Chair of the Marketing Sub Committee, Governance and Finance Sub Committee and a member of the Tourism Crisis Response and Recovery Sub Committee. He was appointed Chair in 2022.

Skills Based Appointments

Michael Hands, Skills Based Director

Michael has many years experience in the events and tourism industry, in both private and public sectors. Currently running an events and marketing business, he’s has previously built and sold a large events business as well as working as the strategic manager of the Victorian Major Company. Michael has held a number of board roles including the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, AFI Awards and others.

James Coleman, Skills Based Director

James is the General Manager of Sage Hotel Ringwood and has many years of experience in the accommodation and hospitality industry both in Australia and abroad.

A resident of the Upper Yarra Valley, James is passionate about the area and is looking forward to helping showcase the region which offers so much.

Jenni Rigby, Skills Based Director

Jenni is a senior executive in the Victorian public service, currently working in the emergency management sector, and has several years’ experience in strategic policy, public sector governance and program delivery across all levels of government. Jenni holds a degree in environmental management and public policy, as well as an MBA, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Jenni is passionate about forging partnerships between communities, government and businesses as a way of creating a shared vision for the future and building resilience in local communities.

COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS

Tammi Rose, Yarra Ranges Council

As CEO of Yarra Ranges Council, Tammi Rose is an accomplished public purpose executive with over 20 years’ experience working in Local Government. With innate energy for driving innovative solutions to complex challenges, Tammi is a strategic, influential and engaging leader who is known for putting the community at the heart of all decision-making to deliver quality services and infrastructure. Tammi holds a degree in Commerce, is a qualified CPA and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Carl Cowie, Nillumbik Shire Council

A native of Scotland, with qualifications in economics, finance and an MBA, supplemented with studies at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed the Executive Colloquium at Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership.

Carl Cowie became CEO of Nillumbik Shire Council in 2018, following his role as CEO at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.

Carl is internationally experienced, the result of previous work in healthcare, facilities management, transport, manufacturing and construction project management, and is highly skilled in maximising business performance and increasing customer satisfaction.

James Collins, Cardinia Shire Council CEO

James brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience in local government to his role as Chief Executive Officer of Cardinia Shire Council. He has held senior positions across several neighbouring councils, more recently as Director of City Planning and Infrastructure at the City of Casey and previously Director of Social and Economic Development at Yarra Ranges Council. His career also spans leadership roles at Monash and Banyule City Councils.

James is a respected leader with a strong track record in infrastructure delivery, land use planning, and community development. Known for having a grounded and authentic leadership style, James has a strong ability to communicate a common sense approach earning him opportunities to represent the Local Government Sector on National and State Planning and other policy reforms. He has also been heavily involved in major advocacy initiatives such as the Thompsons Road extension and the South East Melbourne Airport project, working collaboratively with regional partners to secure outcomes for growing communities.

INDUSTRY APPOINTMENTS

Matt Jones, Industry Representative Director - Nillumbik Tourism & Business Assoc.

Matt is the CEO of Montsalvat and an accomplished senior manager and strategic leader with a track record in enabling organisations to achieve unique cultural and commercial outcomes. Experienced across the events, creative and public sectors, his passion is leading the sustainable operation of dynamic, authentic destinations. Matt's background includes general management, event and program producing, venue management and strategic business development in Australia and the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on team leadership, stakeholder engagement and delivering ambitious, multi-faceted inspirational projects, usually in the public realm.

Mat Janes, Industry Representative Director - Domaine Chandon

Mat is the Consumer Business Director of Chandon Australia and has over 20 years’ experience in marketing and business management roles across the wine, beer hospitality and tourism sectors.

Having started out as a small business owner in the Margaret River region, Mat relocated to a role in the Yarra Valley 15 years ago. Since then he’s been involved in Wine Yarra Valley as a member of the marketing committee and now holds a position on the Board.

Rebecca Ritte, Industry Representative Director - Kangaroo Ridge Retreat

As the owner-operator of the award-winning Kangaroo Ridge Retreat in Healesville and shareholder of Watts River Brewing, Rebecca is a dedicated advocate for regional tourism excellence. Kangaroo Ridge Retreat earned Gold at the 2023 Victorian Tourism Industry Council Awards and Bronze at the Australian Tourism Industry Council Awards.

As a representative member of Tourism Network Yarra Valley and active participant in VTIC and Tourism East, Rebecca champions collaborative approaches to regional development. She brings experience in luxury accommodation management, sustainable tourism practices, and destination marketing. Having moved to Healesville seven years ago to establish Kangaroo Ridge Retreat, her background in data analytics and research, strengthens her strategic approach to tourism development, focusing on creating exceptional visitor experiences while promoting sustainable growth in the region.

Lynne Trensky, Industry Representative Director, Eastern Dandenong Ranges Business & Tourism

Lynne has 30 years of experience working in the graphic design and advertising industry developing strategic brand communications for businesses in tourism, hospitality, corporate, finance, health and fmcg sectors.

She has extensive experience in community development for the not-for-profit sector and a 25 year history of volunteering in the local community.

Our Board