René de Monchy

Chief Executive Officer, Tourism New Zealand

René de Monchy joined Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) in August 2015 bringing 20 years’ global experience in consumer-led businesses including local and international marketing roles for Fonterra and Heineken and Asia Pacific Breweries in Singapore.

Prior to becoming TNZ’s Chief Executive in April 2021, René was TNZ’s Interim Chief Executive for four months. Before this, René was TNZ’s Director Commercial. In this role, René led the teams across the international markets and Business Events, responsible for identifying key markets and audiences to travel to New Zealand. René also led the development of TNZ’s Aviation Strategy to guide partnerships with international airlines including establishing Memorandum of Understandings with major airlines including Air New Zealand.

René is passionate about the tourism sector and active in tourism industry engagement, undertaking regular speaking engagements and panel discussions.

René is a member of the following boards and panels:

• Tourism Industry Aotearoa
• New Zealand Screen Production Grant Significant Economic
• Benefits Verification Panel
• New Zealand Story Board
• New Zealand China Council
• Qualmark New Zealand Unlimited