BestCities appoints new managing director

BestCities Global Alliance has named Loren Christie (Loren Christie) as the new managing director of the alliance. He takes over the role from Lesley Williams, who led the BestCities team for three years. Christie brings to the position over 25 years of experience in travel, tourism and business events. He has held various leadership roles with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Destination Toronto, and has spent 20 years in broadcast television, which includes a regular travel segment on CTV, Canada’s national TV network. During the past three years, he has built a consulting business that provides project management and solutions for the hospitality, travel and tourism industries, with a focus on legacy, impact, and promoting equity, diversion and inclusion. In his new role, Christie will oversee BestCities’ operations, prioritising the alliance’s focus on legacy and sustainability. “I am thrilled to join the BestCities team and continue the incredible legacy that Lesley has left during her time with the alliance,” said Christie. “I’m looking forward to working with the head office team, board of directors, and member destinations to expand our impact in the global meetings landscape and generate new, sustainable business.” “We are delighted to welcome Loren to the BestCities team and look forward to growing and improving our impact and business operations under his skillful leadership,” said Dr Edward Koh, board chair, BestCities Global Alliance. “I also want to thank Lesley for her vision, dedication and commitment over the past several years. She had the challenging task of steering BestCities through a global pandemic, and contributed to the subsequent rebuilding of the global meetings industry. Lesley has done an exceptional job, leading the alliance to greater success on both counts.” Christie will assume the role of managing director on 1 July. For more information about BestCities, visit www.bestcities.net.