New York City names new tourism chief

Julie Coker is to head New York City Tourism + Conventions in a move from leading the San Diego Tourism Authority.

She takes over as president and chief executive on December 9 following the departure of Fred Dixon to join Brand USA.

Coker currently serves as president and chief executive of the San Diego Tourism Authority where she oversees promotion of the Californian city as a top destination for meetings, conventions, overseas travellers and holidaymakers.

She previously was in charge of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau where she oversaw the 2016 Democratic National Convention, having started her travel career career in 1989 as a corporate management trainee at Hyatt.

Coker said: “Together with our board of directors, members and the local tourism community, we successfully navigated the challenges of the pandemic and have driven San Diego’s tourism recovery. 

“This resilience and collaborative spirit have laid a strong foundation for my new chapter with New York City Tourism + Conventions. 

“I’m eager to bring my passion for the tourism industry to New York City and look forward to building upon the remarkable work of the talented team in place, further enhancing the global appeal of one of the world’s most iconic cities.”

NYC Tourism + Conventions board chair Charles Flateman said: “Julie is a respected industry expert and deeply experienced leader who will steward both NYC Tourism + Conventions and New York City’s $74 billion tourism economy. 

“I want to thank Nancy Mammana, our CMO, for also serving as our interim CEO for the past four months and paving the way for a seamless transition.”

Brand USA president and chief executive Dixon, who led NYC Tourism + Conventions for a decade, said: “Julie is incredibly accomplished and a respected leader across the travel and hospitality sectors, making her an excellent choice to serve as president and CEO.

“She will undoubtedly bring great vision and care to the role, and I am excited to continue working with her in this new capacity as she stewards NYC Tourism + Conventions and New York City’s tourism economy in the years ahead.”