Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism Chief Executive steps down
Mat Woods has announced he is to depart Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism for a new role in California
The Boards of Destination Queenstown (DQ) and Lake Wānaka Tourism (LWT) have announced that Chief Executive Mat Woods will leave on 1 December 2026 to take up a new role in California, USA.
Current General Manager Destination & Brand, Sarah O’Donnell, has been appointed as his successor.
Mr Woods has led DQ since June 2022, guiding the organisation through tourism’s recovery from COVID-19, helping shape and deliver the region’s destination management plan, and establishing the shared services partnership between DQ and LWT. He will join Sugar Bowl Resort as Executive Director Resort Services.
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Ms O’Donnell brings extensive tourism marketing and destination management experience, connecting destination promotion with the region’s ambition for a tourism system that benefits its communities, environment and economy.
DQ Chair Richard Thomas said Mr Woods had made a significant contribution to both the region and New Zealand’s tourism industry.
“Mat has led through a period of considerable change, helping our region rebuild its visitor economy while keeping a clear focus on tourism’s long-term contribution to our communities,” Richard said.
“He has been a strong advocate for Queenstown and Wānaka, an influential voice in national tourism discussions, and instrumental in establishing our shared services partnership.
“While we are sad to see him go, he leaves both organisations with a strong foundation and in good heart. We thank him for his outstanding leadership and wish him every success in California.”
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Mr Woods described his time with the region’s tourism organisations as among the most challenging and rewarding of his career.
“I’m extremely proud of what our team, Boards and partners have achieved together”
“We have moved from the uncertainty of closed borders to welcoming manuhiri back, guided by an ambitious plan for tourism to benefit the people who live here, the people who visit and the place itself,” he said.
The region’s destination management plan, Travel to a Thriving Future, has been central to that work.
“As demand has returned, the challenge is increasingly about how we shape and manage tourism; our infrastructure, experiences and the impact on our communities and environment,” Mr Woods said.
“Queenstown Lakes has set a clear ambition for a regenerative visitor economy. There is a real opportunity to take the lessons from this work and apply them more widely across New Zealand.”
Mr Woods said the shared services partnership between DQ and LWT was another significant milestone.
“Queenstown and Wānaka are distinct destinations with strong identities. Bringing our teams together through the shared services partnership has created efficiencies, strengthened our ability to support both destinations while retaining what makes each special.”
Mr Thomas said Ms O’Donnell’s appointment would provide continuity and experienced leadership as the organisations entered their next chapter.
“Sarah brings extensive tourism marketing and destination management experience, deep local knowledge and a strong understanding of both organisations. She has helped shape our direction and is well placed to build on the progress made under Mat’s leadership,” he said.
“With visitor growth placing pressure on the district, funding discussions continuing and the industry evolving rapidly, Sarah has the skills and relationships to lead this work and ensure tourism delivers lasting benefits for our region.”
A long-time local, Ms O’Donnell was part of the advisory group that developed the region’s destination management plan and currently leads destination and brand activity across DQ and LWT.
“Mat leaves a strong foundation, and I’m looking forward to building on that work with our team, members and partners,” Ms O’Donnell said.
“My focus will be on strengthening both destinations and ensuring tourism continues to contribute positively to our communities.”
Mr Woods said leaving was a difficult decision, but he was excited about the opportunity ahead.
“The role at Sugar Bowl is an opportunity to bring together my commercial experience and the lessons from our destination management work in a new setting,” he said.
“I’ll miss the people and this extraordinary region, but the ambition is clear and the organisations are in very capable hands with Sarah and the team.”
