AUSTRALIA | Industry stalwart and veteran, Michael Johnson has announced he will step down as CEO of Accommodation Australia.
After more than five years leading the nation’s peak industry bodies for the accommodation sector, Accommodation Australia CEO Michael Johnson has announced his retirement.
Johnson spent four years as national and New South Wales head of Tourism Accommodation Australia. He was appointed as the CEO of Accommodation Australia in January 2023, before the amalgamation between TAA and Accommodation Association of Australia on the 1st of July, 2023.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time representing the industry and feel humbled to have led the organisation after achieving amalgamation last year,” said Johnson.
“After 45 years in the industry, it is time to hand over the reins and enjoy more time with family and friends.”
Accommodation Australia Chair David Mansfield said he appreciated Johnson’s decision and thanked him for his dedicated service.
“Michael will be sadly missed by his team and the many stakeholders he works closely with,” said Mansfield.
“He has significantly contributed to the organisation and the industry more broadly over many years."
Mansfield added that during Johnson's tenure, he did a fantastic job and was instrumental in creating a solid foundation that will serve Accommodation Australia’s renewed purpose and values well into the future.
“His honesty, hard work and generosity will be hard to replace. We wish him the very best in retirement,” said Mansfield.
Johnson will officially finish up on July 31, 2024 however, he will be retained in a ‘special advisory role’ until further notice as we transition new leadership and existing relationships. A recruitment process for his successor is currently underway.
Johnson's retirement came just as holiday travel returned strongly in the first quarter of 2024, despite the current cost of living concerns, with holiday spending now exceeding 2019.
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