Tourism and Events NT announces new powerhouse Board

The inaugural Advisory Board has been announced for the Northern Territory’s new entity, Tourism and Events NT. The appointment of the Board members comes as the Northern Territory outlined its vision last month in the Northern Territory Visitor Economy Strategy 2032.

The Advisory Board, announced by Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Major Events Marie-Clare Boothby, features Territorians and interstate members Amy Hill, Brett Mitchell, Hayley Richards, Lisa Pile, Paul Ah Chee, Penny Priest, Suzana Bishop and Tim McColl Jones. Mr Ah Chee has been appointed Chair of the inaugural Advisory Board.

Together, the eight members of the Board bring a diverse skillset that will guide Tourism and Events NT. Their outstanding and varied expertise across the visitor economy establishes a complementary skills-based board, bringing local, national and international perspectives to the table. 

The Board was selected following an extensive search, which saw more than 50 nominations from high calibre professionals, reflecting a strong interest in the NT visitor economy.

There were 21 nominations received from within the Territory and 33 from interstate and overseas.

Selection was based on professional experience, rather than industry or sector representation, to deliver the objectives of the Visitor Economy Strategy 2032.

Tourism and Events NT CEO Suzana Bishop thanked the individuals who nominated to be a part of the inaugural Tourism and Events NT Advisory Board.

“We received nation-wide interest from extremely accomplished individuals, which indicates the esteem Tourism and Events NT has within the industry,” Mrs Bishop said.

“I look forward to seeing this new Board shape the future of the Northern Territory visitor economy, from growing the industry, to showcasing our incredible events and experiences to the world.

Chair, Paul Ah Chee said he was looking forward to working with the Advisory Board to showcase the Northern Territory’s culture, lifestyle and experiences.

“The new highly experienced Advisory Board, will provide expert advice to grow the visitor economy, showcase the destination, Aboriginal culture, unique landscapes and the cultural diversity of the Northern Territory,” he said.

The new Advisory Board will begin on 1 January 2026.

Advisory Board Member profiles:

Ms Amy Hill 

Ms Hill is a major events expert, executive, advisor and non-executive director with over 20 years’ experience across sport, major events, tourism, strategy, governance, risk and sustainability. Recognised with Executive of the Year – Outstanding Global Leadership Awards (2022) and the Victorian Government Change Our Game Scholarship (2023), she has led globally noteworthy events, advised boards and governments, and shaped strategies delivering economic, reputational and community impact. Ms Hill has held senior leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer at Y Australia, General Manager – Operations and Motorsport at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, and Group Manager HSE at YMCA Victoria. Current board and advisory positions include Independent Director at Life Saving Victoria, Non-Executive Director at Pickleball Australia and Principal Advisor at Starling Advisory.

Mr Brett Mitchell

Mr Mitchell leads Intrepid Travel’s largest commercial region globally, overseeing strategy, partnerships, and growth across Australia and New Zealand. As Managing Director, he drives domestic tourism development, regional investment, accommodation expansion and the integration of First Nations experiences into itinerary offerings. Mr Mitchell has a strong record in fostering locally led tourism initiatives, including partnerships with Aboriginal-owned businesses in the NT such as Yalka Ratara Adventures. He also chaired Intrepid’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan Committee and co-founded the Travel Reconciliation Industry Networking Group, advancing First Nations economic participation across the tourism sector. Through governance roles with the Australian Travel Industry Association and the Council of Australian Tour Operators, he brings both national perspective and global insight to driving tourism that delivers enduring economic, cultural and environmental impact.

Ms Hayley Richards

Ms Richards is the Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations, responsible for leading a workforce of more than 250 staff to support business growth, trade and investment in the NT. In this role, she oversees the delivery of programs such as aviation attraction and initiatives that strengthen the Territory’s economy, enhance industry capability, and attract domestic and international investment.

Ms Lisa Pile 

Ms Pile, who grew up in the Northern Territory before embarking on an international career is a senior commercial executive with over 25 years’ experience in sales, marketing and business development across luxury brands. From a career in business events working for the Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau to her current position as Vice President Sales and General Manager, Asia Pacific for Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Vice President Sales, Asia for Oceania Cruises, responsible for commercial strategy, P&L and operational performance across the Asia Pacific. She leads multicultural commercial teams, develops strategic partnerships, and oversees market expansion, brand positioning and revenue growth. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at FRHI Hotels and Resorts as Executive Director of Global Luxury Sales, and at Raffles Hotels and Resorts as Executive Director of Brand Marketing and Sales, managing global teams and developing commercial and marketing strategies across multiple international markets. 

Mr Paul Ah Chee (Chair)

Mr Ah Chee is the most recent Chair of Tourism NT Board of Commissioners who has been involved with the Territory tourism industry for over 25 years, was Chair of the previous Aboriginal Tourism Committee and founding member of the previous NT Aboriginal Tourism Advisory Council. Mr Ah Chee’s years of tourism experience and contribution to the tourism sector was recognised with a Northern Territory Chief Minister's Award for excellence in 2009.

Ms Penny Priest

Ms Priest is the most recent Chair of NT Major Events Company now integrated with Tourism NT to become Tourism and Events NT. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Darwin tourist attraction Crocosaurus Cove, and Fitzroy Island Resort in Cairns, and has been with the company since it opened in 2008. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. With many years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, Ms Priest has been a contributor to key sectors, such as business events and trade distribution made prominent in her leadership of the NT Australian Tourism Export Council chapter. In 2018, Ms Priest was elected as a Director on the Board of Tourism Top End, of which she has actively represented members in several government forums, both in the Territory and nationally.  

Mr Tim McColl Jones

Mr McColl Jones is an executive and board director with experience across the visitor economy, marketing and economic development sectors in Australia and internationally. He is currently a Non-Executive Director of Developing East Arnhem Limited and Advisory Board Member of Carr Design Group. He has held senior leadership positions with Qantas Group as Chief Marketing Officer, Clemenger BBDO, M&C Saatchi, and Publicis Mojo, leading major national and global brand transformations including Qantas’ “Feels Like Home” campaign and Abu Dhabi’s nation brand blueprint. His expertise spans tourism, infrastructure, First Nations partnerships and strategic advisory work for organisations such as BHP, Bunnings, QBE, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and City Football Group. Mr McColl Jones has served on numerous boards including the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, Crime Stoppers Victoria, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Kay and Burton Group, and Jirrawun Arts.