Merv King: back after four years

AUSTRALIA'S largest chain of caravan and holiday parks has a new chairman.

Well known in the industry, Merv King returns to the role after a gap of four years following the resignation of Rodger Powell, who will remain on the board as a director.

During Mr Powell’s term as chairman, BIG4 continued its strong growth path, developed powerful strategic partnerships and launched significant technology-based marketing initiatives.

But with recent and substantial increases in his other professional business commitments, and with the imminent engagement of a new chief executive for BIG4, Mr Powell thought it in the best interests of BIG4 to hand over the chair three months ahead of schedule.

"I have enjoyed the opportunity to lead the board of such a progressive organisation over the last four years," he said.

Mr Powell said recent appointments as chairman of Highlight Ventures, director of Sunshine Coast Destination, director of SACS Foundation and deputy chair of the University of New South Wales' Industry Reference Group (TIRG) had filled his roster of board roles.

"I have also found that I have additional time demands in my consultancy business and must allocate more resources to it at this point in time," he explained.

"With my term coming to an end in October, and the prospect of a new chief executive officer commencing shortly, this seemed like the ideal time to hand over the chair."

Mr King said the board thanked Mr Powell for "his commitment and leadership" and was delighted he has decided to stay on as a director.

"BIG4 will be introducing a new chief executive officer to our members at the joint BIG4 and TOP10 conference in Christchurch in October," he said.

"The board is looking forward to a new period of growth, consolidation of our marketing technology platforms and a renewed focus on our members.

"The conference provides a great opportunity for the BIG4 family to join together to celebrate the previous year’s achievements and work together to plan the future of Australia's most successful group of holiday parks,” Mr King continued.

"My first task as incoming chair will be to lead the board through the vital process of appointing a new chief executive officer as leader of our group, and ensuring that BIG4 Online continues to deliver benefits to all member parks."

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