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August, 2025

Louise Scott steps into interim six-month gig as CEO of Tourism East

Tourism East Limited has announced the appointment of Louise Scott as interim CEO, taking the reins from Simon O’Callaghan, who has stepped down following a 12-year tenure.

Scott brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having previously served as the Director of Experience Melbourne with the City of Melbourne for six-and-a-half years. Her career has also included senior roles in tourism strategy, brand, and marketing with Tourism Western Australia and the City of Perth. Her expertise spans destination development, brand positioning, and strategic partnerships.

Scott’s appointment as Interim CEO is initially set for six months, with the possibility of transitioning to a permanent position. Tourism East Limited is looking to leverage her extensive experience to drive regional tourism growth and economic development.

Scott said, “I am thrilled to take up the role at such a pivotal moment for regional tourism. Having been involved in guiding Melbourne through its post-pandemic recovery, I understand the power of collaborative industry partnerships in driving economic growth.

“The VEP model, uniting Yarra Ranges, Cardinia and Nillumbik Local Government Areas and Yarra Ranges councils with support from all Councils, the State Government and our diverse industry partners, creates an unprecedented opportunity to showcase our world-class wineries, restaurants, accommodation and natural experience offerings while building a thriving visitor economy that creates jobs and attracts investment.

“My priority is bringing together our three Council areas and hundreds of local businesses around a shared vision for sustainable growth that delivers exceptional visitor experiences while preserving the authentic character that makes the region special,” she said.

Leigh Harry, Chair of Tourism East Limited, added, “We are delighted to have Louise join the team at such an exciting time for tourism in our region. Her extensive experience across different markets and her proven ability to drive results make her the ideal leader to guide Tourism East Limited forward.

“Louise’s strategic vision and collaborative approach align perfectly with our commitment to showcasing the unique experiences our region offers to visitors. We look forward to working with her to build on our strong foundation and explore new opportunities for growth,” she added.