SeaLink Marine & Tourism announces new Executive General Manager – Business Operations

Monday 11 September 2023

SeaLink Marine & Tourism, Australia’s leading marine transport and tourism operator, is pleased to announce the internal promotion of David Hay to the newly created role of Executive General Manager – Business Operations.

SeaLink Marine & Tourism’s fleet of 113 vessels connect travellers to 16 islands around Australia and includes tourism and hospitality experiences in multiple capital city harbours and major rivers, as well as two island resorts on K’gari (Fraser Island). Contracted essential transport services with governments and private clients include ferry services for passenger, vehicle, freight, as well as ship-to-shore, shore-to-shore passenger and crew ferry transfers.

In this new role, Mr Hay will oversee and provide strategic leadership to SeaLink’s nine diverse business units within the Marine and Tourism portfolio, strengthening the company's commitment to delivering brilliant services to its valued local communities, clients and visitors.

Mr Hay joined the Kingfisher Bay Resort Group in 2004 as General Manager, Tours and Marine. He played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the group and was promoted to the Group General Manager in 2011, managing and operating the Kingfisher Bay Resort, K’gari Beach Resort, vehicle barges, and K’gari Explorer Tours before SeaLink acquired the group in 2018.

Today, SeaLink K’gari is one of the most significant tourism businesses in Australia, comprising of 350 staff, 400 rooms across two resorts, five restaurants, ferry services, on island tours, as well as staff accommodation for 150.

Donna Gauci, SeaLink Marine & Tourism CEO says, “David’s extensive leadership, strategic and industry experience, combined with his intimate knowledge of our diverse business, makes him the perfect fit for this role as we continue to grow.”

“David's appointment will bring significant value and experience to the teams he will manage across Australia, further reinforcing SeaLink's position as a leader in the marine and tourism industry,” she said.

Mr Hay, who will commence the new role on 4th October said “My philosophy of leading from the front and communicating openly has enabled me to ensure the businesses I manage are effective and efficient whilst maintaining a positive culture.

“One of my career highlights is being part of the K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) group’s success, which has seen us invest in and improve the facilities in all areas of the operation. This has delivered great outcomes for both our valued guests and our team members being able to enjoy the brilliant location in a comfortable and contemporary environment.

“The support, resilience, flexibility and goodwill which everyone showed as we managed our way through the COVID pandemic and rebounding from the devastating 2020 bushfires on Kangaroo Island and 2021 on K’gari has been very

impressive. I look forward to working with our team to build from these experiences over the coming years, as we continue to deliver brilliant experiences to our customers and guests.

“I think what sets SeaLink apart from others is that throughout our significant growth, we are fundamentally a company that cares deeply about our people and the communities we serve, as well as the protection of the pristine environments and cultures with which we are blessed to work in,” he said.