Following an extensive search, Invest Gold Coast has appointed seasoned executive and company director Mark Girard as its new CEO.
Mr Girard has 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 also serves on the board of Seqwater and is Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee at Cross River Rail Delivery Authority.
Gold Coast Acting Mayor Mark Hammel welcomed the appointment and said Mr Girard will play a crucial role in delivering new business to the city.
“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 he was looking forward to working together with Mr Girard to deliver for the Gold Coast community.
“The Gold Coast is attracting big business, and Mark is a great choice to propel that forward, ensuring we capitalise on every opportunity,” Mr Baker said.
“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 congratulated Mr Girard and recognised the team at Invest GC.
“The Board of Invest Gold Coast have been determined to secure the right person to fill this important role, after conducting a thorough recruitment process.
“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 he felt privileged to be able to play a role in shaping the future of the Gold Coast and delivering for ratepayers.
“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.”
Mr Girard will commence as CEO of Invest Gold Coast on 29 September.
