Chief executive officer of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Leigh Harry has retired after 22 years of serving in the position to accept as chief executive of Tourism Victoria.

 

Announcing the departure, Tourism and Major Events Minister Louise Asher lauded Mr Harry’s contribution to the centre.

 

“Leigh has overseen the development of MCEC into a world class convention and exhibition centre from the time it was a building site in 1989 to today when it has become one of the world’s leading convention and exhibition destinations,” Ms Asher said.

 

“It is with a mixture of regret and great pride that I leave the centre. I am proud of what the team has achieved for Melbourne and Victoria over many years and will miss being part of the group," Mr Harry said.

 

“I am pleased that in my new role, business events will continue to be vitally important along with all other aspects of the leisure tourism and major events industries. I am looking forward to taking up the new and critical challenges ahead.”