Qualmark announces new general manager

19/08/10

New Qualmark chairperson Tim Hunter has today announced the appointment of Paula McCallum as Qualmark’s new general manager.

In a media release Hunter said McCallum was appointed from a strong field of candidates and has an outstanding background in sales, marketing, business and change management in a wide variety of industries. Her most recent position was general manager Auckland and Northland for Fastway Couriers, New Zealand’s largest franchise system.

Hunter said that, in McCallum, the board had found a leader with enthusiasm, business acumen and strong operational and interpersonal skills to take Qualmark to the next stage of its development as New Zealand tourism’s official quality accreditation programme.

McCallum said her first priority was to meet tourism leaders and the wider industry to hear their perspectives on how Qualmark could continue to increase its value to operators as it undergoes a period of review. “I’m looking forward to working alongside the industry during this important time for Qualmark,” she said.

Prior to her role at Fastway Couriers, McCallum operated two of her own businesses and held a significant channel management and marketing role with United Networks in Auckland.

Paula McCallum starts her new role with the Qualmark team on 1 September.

Tim Hunter was appointed Chair of Qualmark in late July, and replaces David Wilks who is leaving to take up the position as director of the commercial business unit for the Department of Conservation. Tim Hunter is Tourism New Zealand’s general manager New Zealand operations. As well as Chair of Qualmark, Tim is also executive manager of i-SITE New Zealand.