The Board of BIG4 Holiday Parks of Australia, the 182 strong Australia-wide chain of quality holiday parks, today announced the election of Merv King as Chairman of the Group following the early resignation of outgoing Chair Rodger Powell.

Mr King, who has had a prestigious career in the holiday park industry, returns to the Chair of BIG4 after a hiatus of almost four years, filling the gap left by Mr Powell who has resigned three months ahead of completion of his 4th term as Chair. Rodger will remain on the board as a Director.

Mr King said the Board received Rodger's early resignation from the Chair with regret, after his five years of diligent service. During Mr Powell's term, BIG4 has continued its strong growth path, developed powerful strategic partnerships and launched significant technology based marketing initiatives. However, with recent and substantial increases in his other professional business commitments and with the imminent engagement of a new CEO for BIG4, Rodger thought it in the best interests of BIG4 to hand over the Chair three months ahead of schedule.

"BIG4 is in an absolute leadership position in the holiday park industry," said Mr Powell.

"I have enjoyed the opportunity to lead the Board of such a progressive organisation over the last four years but my recent appointments as Chairman of Highlight Ventures, Director of Sunshine Coast Destination, Director of SACS Foundation and Deputy Chair of the UNSW TIRG have filled my roster of Board roles. I have also found that I have additional time demands in my consultancy business and must allocate more resources to it at this point in time.

"With my term coming to an end in October, and the prospect of a new CEO commencing shortly, this seemed like the ideal time to hand over the Chair," concludes Mr Powell.

"The Board thanks Rodger for his commitment and leadership to BIG4, and is delighted that he has decided to stay on as a Director," said Mr King.

"BIG4 will be introducing a new CEO to our Members at the joint BIG4 and TOP10 conference in Christchurch in October and the Board is looking forward to a new period of growth, consolidation of our marketing technology platforms and a renewed focus on our Members.

"The conference provides a great opportunity for the BIG4 Family to join together to celebrate the prior year's achievements and work together to plan the future of Australia's most successful group of Holiday Parks," adds Mr King.

"My first task as incoming Chair will be to lead the Board through the vital process of appointing a new CEO as leader of our group, and ensuring that BIG4 Online continues to deliver benefits to all Member Parks. Also key will be the ongoing development and roll-out of PAM - our Park Accommodation Management and Marketing System."