Ms Jones has been the acting CEO of the organisation which focuses on boosting tourism and major events.
Prior to joining DNSW she was CEO of the Office of Sport, driving the body’s strategic plan, `Play Her Way’, and the `10 World Cups in 10 Years’ initiative.
Ms Jones has more than 27 years of leadership experience in state and local government and was appointed CEO following a competitive recruitment process. She formally transitions to the role this week.
NSW Minister for Tourism and Jobs, Steve Kamper, said Ms Jones’ track record will be invaluable as the NSW Government prepares to launch the revised NSW Visitor Economy Strategy and ahead of the opening of Western Sydney International Airport.
“NSW is the nation’s leading visitor economy and I look forward to leveraging Karen’s experience to ensure the NSW Government achieves its goal of $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035,” he said.
On her appointment, Ms Jones said it was a privilege to be selected CEO.
“I have been impressed by the agency’s dedication to supporting visitor economy businesses to deliver world-class experiences, growing the state’s major events calendar and marketing New South Wales to the world,” she said.
“Destination NSW has a fantastic team in place is poised to deliver. There really is no better destination and I look forward to working with the NSW Government and visitor economy stakeholders to further elevate the state’s vibrant local culture and dynamic events calendar and boost our visitor economy.”
Destination NSW provides funding to Business Events Sydney to attract international conventions and incentives to the state.
The agency also manages the Vivid Festival which runs until June 14.