Welcome once again to Chairman’s Corner, my regular update on the activities of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. In this edition, I’d like to introduce you to the new CEO, Bill Hanbury. Bill started working with us just under two weeks ago and we’re delighted to have him on board.

Bill has over 25 years of senior management experience and most recently was the CEO of the United Way of the National Capital Area, managing an iconic brand at a watershed moment in its history. During his tenure, he:

• rebuilt the internal operating structure

• implemented a development strategy that improved financial stability and

• rebuilt the organisation’s marketing, communications and digital capabilities.

Prior to that, Bill served as president and CEO of Destination DC and the American Experience Foundation from 2001-2009. While there he oversaw domestic and international marketing and sales for one of the world’s top tourism destinations. The organisation was responsible for selling the Washington Convention Center and positioning the US capital as a first-tier convention, tourism and events location. His key accomplishments included: significantly improving DC’s status in the international tourism marketplace, helping lead the economic recovery of the hospitality industry after 9/11, redesigning Destination DC’s management and marketing functions, plus leading the sales team that booked over one million room nights annually. He also provided logistics leadership for: international forums, economic summits, presidential inaugurations, national celebrations, plus memorial and museum dedications.

During his tenure as CEO at various convention bureaus and chambers, including Greater Milwaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau and Hilton Head Island Chamber of Commerce, Bill led an industry trend to use sporting events as economic development tools for communities. A sampling of these events included: PGA Golf events, USA Triathlon Championships, World Championship Boxing, the National Sports Festival, National Softball Championships, Empire State Games, US Olympic Marathon Trials and National Balloon Festivals.

So, as you can see, Bill has a vast amount of experience. He has just moved to Bermuda and he is knee deep in briefings and we are bringing him up-to-speed on our work at the Authority so far.

Bill and his wife Valerie are now living in Bermuda and loving every moment. They have three adult children, Morgan, Gillian and Neil who will be frequent visitors to Bermuda.

I hope you will have the opportunity to meet him or hear what he has to say via the media.