Former Sunrise host David Koch has been announced as the new chair of the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC).
Koch, who is known to millions of Seven fans as “Kochie”, was announced as the new chair on Thursday, replacing Andrew Bullock, who has held the position since 2019.
Koch’s appointment is for three years and he begins the new job on July 2. The role as chair will see him help set the agenda to grow the state’s visitor economy to $12.8 billion by 2030.
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On Thursday, Kochie spoke to Adelaide Now, praising South Australia for the rich food, wine and cultural experiences it offers to holidaymakers.
“We do the best food and wine in the nation, and we have some of the nation’s most spectacular regions,” Koch said.
“We also retain a reputation for delivering first-class major events and festivals.
“More recently, the perceptions of Adelaide and South Australia have shifted significantly on the east coast — and we have an opportunity to capitalise on this momentum to grow our tourism sector even further.”
Koch said in his new role, he would focus on small business in order to drive Adelaide tourism.
Koch was born in Adelaide, and has had a long association with his hometown, having been chair of the Port Adelaide Football Club since 2012.
Although he departed as Sunrise co-host in 2023 after more than 20 years, Koch still regularly appears on Sunrise and The Morning Show, where he speaks about Compare The Market.
Just last month, Koch appeared on The Morning Show where he announced some personal family news.
Joining Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies, Koch said his daughter Georgie was about to give birth.
“Georgie is expecting her first child,” Koch said, clearly bursting with pride.
Georgie is David and Libby’s youngest child. The couple, who have been married for 44 years, share three other children: Bree, Alexander and Samantha.