The Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board announced Mario Thompson as its new chief sales officer, effective September 30. Thompson has over 20 years of leadership and experience in sales at Marriott International and Hilton Hotels and Resorts.
Thompson will lead the global sales and services strategy for Los Angeles Tourism.
On September 19, the City of Los Angeles approved the L.A. Convention Center expansion and modernization project. Thompson will be responsible for driving professional meetings, conventions and major events to hotels and venues in the greater Los Angeles area, including the Los Angeles Convention Center Campus.
“It’s an honor to be joining Los Angeles Tourism at this exciting moment in time,” Thompson said in a press release.
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Thompson comes to Los Angeles Tourism from JW Marriott L.A. LIVE, where he worked as director of sales and marketing. He also has experience working in large tourism markets such as San Diego, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and New York City.
“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 L.A.’s competitive positioning in the global meetings marketplace,” said Adam Burke, president and CEO of Los Angeles Tourism, in a press release.
Read about more moves and appointments in the meetings industry.
