News Release For immediate release
Outaouais, April 11, 2024 – After five years with Outaouais Tourism, including more than three years as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Julie Kinnear has announced that she will be leaving the organization on May 24 to pursue new challenges.
“The past five years at Outaouais Tourism have been extraordinary, both professionally and personally,” said Ms. Kinnear. “I’ve had the privilege of working with dedicated colleagues, board members, partners and association members, and their commitment to our shared mission has made every day on the job challenging and rewarding.”
“We thank Ms. Kinnear for her outstanding contribution to Outaouais Tourism during her tenure as CEO,” said Lélia Bâcle-Mainguy, chair of the Outaouais Tourism board of directors. “We would like to highlight the many initiatives she has overseen that have furthered the Outaouais’ development as a thriving and unique destination. It has been a pleasure to work with her over the past three years, and we wish her all the best in her new role.”
During her tenure as CEO, Ms. Kinnear contributed to the recovery and development of the region’s tourism industry in the wake of the pandemic. She continued to promote the Outaouais as a gateway to Québec and as a prime destination for visitors. Her many achievements helped raise the organization’s profile and boost the region’s appeal:
- She served on several regional and provincial committees, including the Ville de Gatineau Commission de développement économique and the Comité d’identité régionale de l’Outaouais, which she co-chaired.
- She led the development of Outaouais Tourism’s 2023–2027 strategic plan, which incorporated the intersecting themes of innovation, sustainable development, and adaptation to climate change.
- She actively supported the development of the tourism offer through the Ministère du Tourisme du Québec funding programs.
- She oversaw several projects that put the region on the map, including the launch of a new marketing campaign signature, the creation of a clothing line showcasing the region’s territories, and the implementation of initiatives—such as the Fall Strolls and L’Outaouais au menu—that promote the discovery of all the territories.
- She fostered the growth of business tourism by introducing Outaouais Tourism’s Support Program for Events and Conventions (SPEC) and unveiling a new business tourism brand image.
The search for the next CEO of Outaouais Tourism will begin shortly. A committee of board members and an outside search firm will be responsible for filling the position. Ms. Kinnear will be working closely with her team in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition for staff and partners.
Ms. Kinnear joined Outaouais Tourism in 2019 as Senior Manager, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, and was appointed CEO in March 2021. Previously, she acquired more than 20 years of management experience in key marketing and corporate communications roles with national retailers, among others.
Ms. Kinnear has been appointed General Manager, Customer Experience of the Lac-Leamy and Mont-Tremblant casinos and the Hilton Lac-Leamy. She will take up her new role on May 27.
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For more information, please contact : Alice Charbonneau-Bernier Communications and Public Relations Advisor acharbonneau-bernier@tourisme-outaouais.ca C. : 819 576-3185
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