Emanuel, Choose Chicago Announce New Tourism Chief

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Business

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Choose Chicago Board Chair Desiree Rogers named David Whitaker as President and CEO of Choose Chicago. Whitaker most recently served as chief marketing officer for Brand USA, the nation’s official destination marketing organization based in Washington D.C., where he oversaw the fully integrated marketing campaigns in 14 international markets as well as Brand USA’s international trade offices. Prior to joining Brand USA, Whitaker served as president and CEO of Tourism Toronto for eight years. During this time, he implemented an aggressive and successful strategy to reinvigorate Toronto as an exciting leisure and business travel destination, which included marketing and advertising focused on attracting high-value travelers from major U.S. cities, the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Japan, and Brazil. Whitaker also spent 17 years with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he most-recently served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer helping shape Miami’s international image.

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Business

After an extensive nationwide search conducted by a 20-member search committee led by Rogers, Whitaker was selected because of his destination marketing expertise and strategic vision. Whitaker will lead Choose Chicago’s sales and marketing efforts focused on increasing overnight visitation from regional, national and international markets. He will officially transition to his new role as President and CEO of Choose Chicago on July 6. “I am thrilled to be coming to Chicago,” Whitaker said. “The city offers a unique and energizing global city experience that appeals to travelers from around the world. I am honored to join the Choose Chicago team and help accelerate the growth of Chicago’s visitor industry and convention business.”

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