Tourist board boss Keith Brown has joined the Tourism Society as its chief executive.
Previously he was chief executive of Visit East of England Tourism and remains a board director of the organisation.
Before that role, he held marketing director positions at Hilton Group and Thistle Hotels.
Brown succeeds Tourism Society board director Mike Bugsgang who has been interim chief executive since Cheryl McCain left in April at the end of her contract.
The Tourism Society said Brown has “a proven track record in the delivery of commercial results” and has created “award-winning marketing programmes”.
Kevin Kaley, Tourism Society chairman, said: “Having Keith on board with his wealth of experience in the tourism sector will be hugely beneficial to the society.
“His input on the implementation of our new strategy and operational model will make a considerable difference as we move forward.”
His appointment follows the news last week about a tourism sector deal being agreed with the government.
This deal will boost investment in hotels and apprenticeships, and see the creation of a tourism data hub.
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