Brand USA president and chief executive Chris Thompson is to retire in May next year.
Thompson has led the country’s marketing organisation for 11 years and previously worked for Visit Florida for 15 years.
In a statement released on Monday, Brand USA said he had decided to “step down and pursue life beyond work”, paying tribute to the “pivotal role” he had played in promoting the US.
Thompson said: “It has been an incredible privilege to serve as president and CEO of Brand USA. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that the organisation will continue to thrive under new leadership.”
Todd Davidson, chair of the Brand USA Board and chief executive of Travel Oregon, added: “Under Chris’s strategic guidance, the Brand USA team has kept the USA the preferred travel destination in the world.
“Chris’s integrity, tenacity, passion and belief in the power of the travel and tourism industry to bring prosperity to all Americans fuelled the advancement of the US travel and tourism industry and established an organisational foundation of innovation, resiliency and future-focused confidence.
“We all wish him the very best in his retirement.”
Brand USA confirmed the search for Thompson’s successor had commenced ahead of his retirement on May 31, 2024.