Andrew Hopper has been promoted to Director General in Queensland’s Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport as the state gears up for the 2023 Olympics.

Mr Hopper, who was previously the department’s deputy and had been acting in the role, has 15 years of leadership experience in industry and government across tourism, major events, sport entertainment and cultural industries in Queesland and the NT, minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.

Mr Hopper’s leadership with would be critical in maximising the opportunities created by the 2023 Games, the minister said.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Andrew on maximising 2032 Games legacy, doubling Queensland’s visitor economy and driving innovation,” Mr Hinchliffe said in a statement.

“Our green and gold runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is Queensland’s time to shine on the world stage.

“The leadership Andrew brings to the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport will be critical to delivering a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Queenslanders.”

Mr Andrew Hopper joined the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport in late 2021 as Deputy Director-General.

Prior to that he spent time in executive roles in the Northern Territory, most recently as the Deputy CEO of the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade and leading the Tourism NT (including StudyNT), Screen Territory and Liquor, Gaming and Racing teams.

He has held senior tenures with organisations including the Queensland Government, Northern Territory Government, Tourism Northern Territory, the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC), MI Associates, Football Federation Australia (FFA) and Australian Rugby Union (ARU).

His appointment followed a trans-Tasman talent hunt.