Discover Puerto Rico named Jorge L. Pérez as its new CEO, taking over for Brad Dean, who left the DMO in February to become the president and CEO of Explore St. Louis.
Pérez has more than 20 years of economic development and management experience, as well as a background in destination marketing, events and the entertainment industry.
“Jorge’s professional experience is comprehensive and impeccable,” said Raúl Bustamante, chairman of the board of directors of Discover Puerto Rico, in a press release announcing the appointment. “I am confident that, as the leader of the organization, he will stimulate travel demand to our destination and continue the tourism boom we’ve seen this decade.”
[Related: Puerto Rico Is Welcoming Major New Hotels as Meetings Boom]
Pérez joined global venue management company Legends/ASM Global 15 years ago and currently serves as its regional general manager, responsible for managing the Puerto Rico Convention Center, the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, the Coca-Cola Music Hall and the Antiguo Casino.
He holds the Certified Venue Executive (CVE) certification from the International Association of Venue Managers and in 2022 was recognized as an “All Star” by VenuesNow magazine for his outstanding leadership of the convention district facilities during their period of greatest growth and expansion.
Discover Puerto Rico said it will facilitate Pérez’s transition over a three-month period, during which he will be responsible for carrying out external strategic oversight in collaborating with local meetings and conventions properties in addition to his role leading the DMO.
“I welcome this challenge with great enthusiasm, recognizing the vital role of the DMO in developing the visitor economy and addressing the current challenges facing the industry,” Pérez said. “Over the past four years, I’ve witnessed a tourism renaissance, and Puerto Rico is uniquely positioned to solidify itself as a global-caliber destination. I am confident that, through collaboration with the DMO team, the government and the private sector, we will achieve every goal we set.”
Pérez will begin his role leading the marketing of Puerto Rico as a destination for leisure, business and conventions September 15.
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