Former Lonely Planet innovation chief to run digital hub
Council has appointed former Lonely Planet innovation chief Chris Boden as Noosa’s new digital hub director.
Mr Boden brings to the role almost 20 years’ experience in the digital sector.
Mayor Tony Wellington said the search for new and established tech businesses to occupy the hub would begin soon.
"The digital hub is part of Council’s plan to diversify Noosa’s economy," the Mayor said.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have secured a director of Chris’s calibre to lead this facility and ensure that it reaches its full potential.
“Under Chris’s direction the hub will bring emerging and established digital businesses together to work under the one roof. That will generate opportunities for businesses to collaborate, learn from each other and train tomorrow’s digital entrepreneurs.”
During his time with Lonely Planet, Mr Boden led the company’s digital transformation as the head of its Mobile division and Innovation Lab.
He was responsible for creating profitable mobile apps, eBooks and location based services which have generated over 10 million downloads, and been loaded into tens of millions of mobile phones.
“Chris brings an extensive international and regional network of entrepreneurs, advisers, and partners to the role and this will help us offer programs that will benefit hub participants and the broader digital community,” the Mayor said.
Mr Boden said he was looking forward to being based at the new facility.
"I have seen, first-hand, the local economic opportunities that can be created by embracing innovation and fostering a digital culture. I believe that there is a need for a strong local digital sector, in order to produce high-value jobs in the future and I’m excited to play a role in developing that culture.”
The $3M digital hub, which sits within the Rufous Street precinct, will feature high-speed fibre optic internet access, meeting rooms, and shared work and event spaces.
Council hopes to remove the construction fencing next week, and open the car park, once finishing touches are applied to the building and landscaping work is complete.
6 March 2018