Tourism Toronto’s Whitaker to Join Brand USA

Tourism Toronto president and CEO David Whitaker has been tapped to become chief marketing officer for Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States.

Whitaker will join Brand USA on May 11, following eight years as the president of Tourism Toronto.

Reporting to Brand USA president and CEO Christopher L. Thompson, Whitaker will direct the development and implementation of the Brand USA strategic marketing plan, which includes brand management, consumer marketing, trade outreach, research and co-operative marketing programs and platforms. Additionally, Whitaker will have lead oversight responsibility to ensure Brand USA achieves year-over-year revenue targets.

Whitaker has successfully promoted destinations for more than 25 years and has a strong track record leveraging relationships with hotels, attractions, arts and cultural facilities, restaurants, retail, entertainment venues and business services to promote communities and experiences.

Prior to Tourism Toronto, Whitaker spent 17 years with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, most recently as the executive vice-president and chief marketing officer.

In addition to his leadership role at Tourism Toronto, Whitaker is an active participant in the travel and tourism industry – serving on the boards of the Travel Industry Association of Canada and DMAI’s Destination and Travel Foundation for the past two years.

Additionally, Whitaker currently chairs and has been a member of the Core Markets Committee of the Canadian Tourism Commission for the past four years.