Ian Horne, long term Hotel Industry advocate and former CEO of the Australian Hotels Association SA has been appointed by the Business Events Adelaide Board as Chair replacing Mr Jim Kouts, who held the position since 2017. Kouts will remain as an independent director as part of a considered governance strategy.

Ian Horne has been a member of the Business Events Adelaide Board since 2014, most recently as Deputy Chair. Having been the recipient of the Tourism Industry Award for outstanding contribution by an individual in 2023, he is regarded as one of the State’s most experienced tourism and hospitality industry advocates.  Since retiring from AHA SA mid-2023 he has been appointed to the Board of Tourism Australia, adding to his membership of the South Australian Tourism Commission Board, the Adelaide Venue Management Corporation and the South Australian Skills Commission.

The Business Events Adelaide’s new deputy chair is experienced independent director Catherine Cooper.