The board of the region’s tourism body, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree, has a changed face following last night’s annual general meeting.

Exemplar Coaches and Limousines’ Gordon Wellham retired as the Port Douglas zone director and chairman, making way for Rhys Bawden of Salsa Bar and Grill to take on the role of the Port Douglas zone director.

Sheena Walshaw of Daintree tourism company, Jungle Surfing, was re-elected to her position as the Cape Tribulation Zone director for her third term and appointed deputy chair, while Natalie Johnson of Flames of the Forest also returns as a general director for her second term.

Subsequent to the AGM, not only was Tony Baker CEO of Quicksilver appointed as a director, but also as chairman. He joins directors Greg Erwin, Cr Julia Leu and Brian Hennessy, as well as Tara Bennett as company secretary.

TPDD executive officer Doug Ryan said the Board was considering other appointed directors positions to ensure there was balance of industry representation, with the announcement of these positions to come at the end of October.

“I am looking forward to working with the new board in the future and I welcome the appointment of Tony Baker as Chair,” Mr Ryan said.

“Strategic planning is an important part of the future for TPDD and experience will strengthen the board and help to facilitate this.”