In North Carolina, the Visit Raleigh board announced in mid-October that its current Executive Vice President Loren Gold will become president and CEO beginning Jan. 1 next year. The decision comes swiftly after current President and CEO Dennis Edwards announced last month that he plans to retire at the end of this year.
A hospitality veteran, Gold joined Visit Raleigh in 2005 as director of sales, moving into his current role as executive vice president in 2007, in which he leads the development of strategic sales and marketing programs, including brand management, market research, marketing communications, advertising, destination data and technology, and public relations. Previously, he held positions at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International, also helming City Reps Inc. (a convention and visitors bureau representation company he founded) beginning in 1995 until its closure in 2001.
“Working alongside Edwards for nearly 20 years, the board is confident Gold has the right combination of experience, leadership, and vision to help the county maximize opportunities as a premier destination in the meetings and conventions, sports and leisure markets,” says Melissa Chunn, general manager at Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel and chair of the Visit Raleigh board, in a prepared statement. “Gold has tremendous relationships with local partners and stakeholders and is extremely well respected throughout the tourism industry. His knowledge and understanding of the industry and our community make him the perfect person for the position.”
When he begins the new role, Gold will oversee a staff of 35 with a $12.5 million budget and carry out the remaining agenda items outlined in the organization’s Destination Strategic Plan 2028.
I’m deeply honored to accept this new role, energized by the opportunities ahead for Greater Raleigh and excited to help shape our destination’s next chapter,” Gold says. “My sincere thanks to Denny Edwards for his exceptional leadership and mentorship. Working alongside him for nearly 20 years has been a true privilege. I am equally grateful to our incredible Visit Raleigh team, whose passion and dedication inspire me every day, and to our board of directors for their confidence in me and their unwavering support of Wake County tourism.”
