Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board has appointed Mario Thompson as its new Chief Sales Officer, effective September 30. The decision follows a national search conducted by Korn Ferry.
Adam Burke, President & CEO of Los Angeles Tourism, commented on the appointment: “After an extensive, national search conducted by Korn Ferry, we could not be more excited to welcome Mario to our executive team. Having spent much of his career successfully representing destinations that compete directly with Los Angeles, Mario brings a valuable perspective on what sets our community apart, and I’m confident that he will leverage that insight to sharpen LA’s competitive positioning in the global meetings marketplace. Having worked directly with Mario at tradeshows, on sales missions, and through our Sales Advisory Council, I’ve seen his passion for Los Angeles, strategic mindset, and collaborative spirit first-hand, and I look forward to partnering with him in this new capacity.”
Thompson has over 20 years of experience in sales leadership roles at Hilton Hotels and Resorts and Marriott International. He has worked in several major U.S. markets such as San Diego, Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore, Washington D.C., and New York. Most recently he was Market Director of Sales & Marketing for JW Marriott L.A. LIVE and The Ritz-Carlton in Los Angeles.
In his new role as Chief Sales Officer at Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Thompson will oversee the organization’s global sales and services strategy. This includes promoting professional meetings, conventions, and large events at venues throughout the region including the Los Angeles Convention Center Campus.
“It’s an honor to be joining Los Angeles Tourism at this exciting moment in time,” said Thompson. “Los Angeles is an unmatched destination for meetings and events, with its world-class venues and hotels and dynamic cultural landscape. I look forward to working with our Citywide, Hotel Sales, and Services teams and partners across the LA region to showcase everything our city has to offer and secure transformative events for the future.”
Thompson’s background includes building relationships within the tourism sector among customers, planners, partners as well as staff members at Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
The organization represents nearly 1,000 member businesses across the region dependent on travel and tourism for their livelihoods. Over 540,000 residents work in tourism-related jobs according to Los Angeles Tourism.
For more information about visiting or doing business with Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board visit their official website or follow them on social media channels.
