Brent Hill resigns as Tourism Fiji CEO

Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill will be stepping down from his role, and returning permanently to Australia with his growing family.

Hill will complete his time with Tourism Fiji at the end of August after a successful four years in the role as CEO.

While acknowledging Hill on behalf of the Fijian Government and the people of Fiji for his incredible service to our nation, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka says his leadership over the past four years has not only helped revitalize the tourism sector after the global pandemic but also elevated Fiji’s image on the world stage with authenticity and heart.

He says Hill’s efforts have gone far beyond strategy and numbers as he championed Fijian culture, sustainability, and inclusivity, ensuring that tourism growth also meant opportunity for our MSMEs, artisans, and people.

Gavoka says he believed in sharing the real Fiji with the world, and through campaigns like 'Where Happiness Comes Naturally,' he along with his team, did just that—with warmth, respect, and impact.

He says while they bid Hill farewell with gratitude, they also wish him and his family the very best as they begin their next chapter in Australia.

Tourism Fiji Chair Andre Viljeon, who has also resigned as CEO of Fiji Airways, says Hill has been an outstanding CEO and an inspirational leader for Tourism Fiji.

He says over the past four years, he has guided the organisation through a period of significant transformation and growth, particularly in the wake of the global pandemic.

Viljeon says his strategic vision, creative energy, and deep commitment to the people and the Fijian culture have left an enduring mark on the organization and the wider tourism industry.

He says during Hill's four years as CEO, the organisation has developed two major strategic Corporate Plans that have grown visitor arrivals post-COVID to an all-time record, exceeding 1 million arrivals, developed and executed a number of major global brand campaigns, including the widely awarded and recognised "Where Happiness Comes Naturally" brand and campaigns,

Viljeon says he also delivered a number of significant events including FTE, AHICE Fiji, AdventureNext, NRL, Tourism Convention, the upcoming GSTC Global Summit, and the World Surf League's Fiji Pro.

He says Hill also championed MSMEs and the tourism industry in Fiji, developing a Destination Development team, the Tourism Super Week and provided consistent support, advice and expertise to the industry, in support of the common goal to grow our industry in Fiji.

The Chair says during his tenure, Hill was also a champion for investment in tourism into Fiji, and has provided unparalleled expertise and insight to investors, operators and stakeholders, as the industry continues to grow and develop in line with the growth in demand.

He says the pipeline of projects, brands and operators coming to Fiji and sustainably developing the future of the industry, is due in large part to his commitment to the industry and its growth.

Viljeon also says Hill was also a major advocate for sustainability, introducing EV vehicles in scale to Fiji through Tourism Fiji's transition to fully renewable cars and an EarthCheck accredited green and renewable new modern office in Nadi. He also helped oversee both the Bin it or Bag It campaign, as well as the introduction of Loloma Hour - a significant step forward in Fiji's regenerative tourism efforts.

He says Hill continued to invest in his people, building a capable and achievement-oriented team that is set up for continued success, as Tourism Fiji now moves to find a suitable replacement.

The Chair says an extensive search will now be undertaken to identify a suitably experienced and capable candidate for the CEO role.

Viljeon also acknowledged Hill for his exemplary leadership, tireless dedication, and the passion he brought to his role every day.

He says Hill has played a pivotal role in rebuilding and growing Fiji’s tourism sector, always advocating for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development.

Viljeon says his legacy includes not just record visitor numbers and global brand recognition, but a strong, capable team and a future-ready organisation.

He adds while Hill’s presence and leadership will be missed, they are excited for him as he begins this new chapter with his family in Australia and fully support his decision.