Rhys Arrowsmith is the newest face to join the Tourism Bay of Plenty team as he takes up the general manager role on May 1.

Rhys will bring with him 15 years of commercial and industry experience, including two years as the business development manager at Rotorua Airport.

Rhys Arrowsmith.

He has also worked for Chevron, PURE life experience – Marrakesh, Black Label retreats and liquor companies Maxxium, Independent Distillers and NZWS.

Tourism Bay of Plenty chairman Paul Bowker says they are delighted to bring Rhys on board.

'We are confident he can pick up the reins quickly, make good use of his industry contact and strengthen TBOP's position nationally.

'Rhys takes over from interim general manager Glenn Ormsby, who has done a fantastic job at managing the business throughout difficult times, including the Rena grounding.”

Rhys says he's excited at his new job opportunity.
'This role is an exciting challenge and presents such a great opportunity to get the Bay of Plenty on the map for all the right reasons.

'I'm looking forward to working with TBOP, our tourism operators and our neighbouring Regional Tourism Organisations to increase visitor numbers and make the coastal Bay of Plenty a destination of choice.”

Paul says Rhys' first task will be to get out and meet stakeholders.

'(He will) then start to bed down our strategic plan with further industry engagement and consultation.”