Brown to lead industry department

The state government has selected Department of Health executive Rebecca Brown as the new director general of its industry and tourism mega department – making her the third woman picked this year to head a major government agency.

Ms Brown will commence as director general of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation on September 3.

Previous director general Stephen Wood left the role in April after the government said it was not satisfied with his management of the tourism portfolio.

The appointment comes after Education Department director general Sharyn O'Neill was appointed public sector commissioner and Landgate boss Jodi Cant was selected as new director general at the Department of Finance.

Ms Brown most recently served as deputy director general of the Department of Health, and was previously deputy director general in the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

She worked at the Department of Treasury  in a variety of positions for 12 years, and previously gained five years of experience in the federal Treasury in Canberra.

Acting Premier Roger Cook welcomed Ms Brown’s appointment.

“(Ms Brown) has extensive experience across the public sector, holding senior positions in a range of departments and has a strong record in delivering real outcomes,” Mr Cook said.

“She will ensure the state government can capitalise on the growth in new and emerging industries, such as lithium, to support the economy and create new jobs.”

The government said an announcement regarding the new managing director of Tourism would be made in coming weeks.