Director and owner Trent Yeo said the adventure operation had grown "exponentially" since opening in December 2009 and needed a focused and experienced individual to build on the early success of the business.
"We're delighted to welcome Stu to our team," he said.
"He brings deep and broad experience in tourism plus valuable and extensive local knowledge."
Mr Cordelle has 20 years' experience in the tourism industry, including working for Travelex NZ Ltd, Real Journeys, Mitre Peak Cruises and, most recently, Millbrook Resort, as its sales manager.
He will be responsible for developing and supporting Ziptrek's established leadership team across all departments. Working closely with Ziptrek Ecotours' global team, he will shape and execute business strategy specific to the Queenstown operation.
Mr Cordelle said he was an "avid adventure junkie" and was excited to be part of the Ziptrek operation. Mr Yeo would remain the "face" of the company but was happy to hand over the day-to-day operations to Mr Cordelle.
"There are a number of projects in the planning and I'm keen to begin that development process."
