Global tourism leadership changes are reshaping travel and hospitality as ten executives take key roles across international organisations in October 2026. From Brand USA and Scenic Group to IHG Hotels & Resorts and American Express Global Business Travel, these appointments reflect growing attention to commercial performance, destination promotion and partnerships worldwide.
United States – Caroline Beteta Prepares to Lead Brand USA During Leadership Transition
Brand USA has named Caroline Beteta as interim president and chief executive officer, with her appointment taking effect on 9 November 2026. The announcement, made on 6 October, marks a significant transition for the organisation responsible for promoting the United States to international travellers.
Beteta brings nearly three decades of experience in destination marketing, including senior leadership responsibilities at Visit California. She succeeds Fred Dixon at a time when international visitor growth, tourism partnerships and the future direction of US destination marketing remain important industry priorities.
Her responsibilities will include maintaining international promotional programmes, supporting relationships with travel industry stakeholders and helping guide Brand USA through its congressional reauthorisation efforts.
The appointment places an experienced destination marketing executive at the centre of US tourism promotion during an important period of organisational change.
Africa – Taqi Moledina Becomes Chair of African Travel and Tourism Association
The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) has appointed Taqi Moledina as its new chair for a two-year term beginning 1 October 2026.
Moledina takes the position as African tourism businesses seek stronger international connections and greater access to global travel markets.
His leadership will focus on supporting cooperation between tourism operators, destinations, travel buyers and industry stakeholders.
ATTA plays an important role in connecting African tourism businesses with international partners. Its work supports tourism trade development, industry representation and responsible travel practices.
The new chairmanship provides an opportunity to strengthen commercial relationships while supporting the wider international visibility of African destinations.
International – Rebecca Wright Takes Interim CEO Position at SITE
The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) has appointed Rebecca Wright as interim chief executive officer, following the departure of Annette Gregg.
The leadership transition was reported on 6 October 2026 and comes as the association begins its search for a permanent chief executive.
SITE represents the incentive travel industry, which connects corporate reward programmes with destinations, hotels, event organisers and specialist travel providers.
Wright will oversee organisational continuity, membership engagement and the association’s professional development activities during the transition.
Her appointment comes as incentive travel continues to support business events, destination partnerships and international corporate travel.
Maintaining leadership stability will be important for SITE as it works with members and industry partners across different markets.
Martinique – Alexandre Ventadour Takes Tourism Commissioner Role
Alexandre Ventadour has been appointed tourism commissioner at the Martinique Tourism Authority, succeeding Bénédicte di Geronimo.
The appointment, reported on 2 October 2026, introduces new leadership for the Caribbean destination’s tourism promotion activities.
Martinique attracts international visitors through its beaches, French-Caribbean heritage, natural landscapes and culinary traditions.
Ventadour will support destination development and work with tourism businesses, airlines and international travel partners.
Improving market visibility and maintaining strong tourism partnerships will be important responsibilities as Martinique competes with other Caribbean destinations for international visitors.
The appointment also underlines the importance of destination marketing leadership in building long-term tourism growth.
International Cruise Industry – Adam Armstrong Joins Scenic Group as Chief Commercial Officer
Scenic Group has appointed Adam Armstrong as chief commercial officer, with the development reported on 8 October 2026.
Armstrong joins the international cruise business as luxury ocean cruising, river voyages and expedition travel remain important parts of the premium tourism market.
His responsibilities will centre on commercial development, international distribution and partnerships with travel advisers and industry stakeholders.
Scenic Group operates in a sector where customer experience, destination choice and specialist travel services influence purchasing decisions.
The appointment strengthens the company’s commercial leadership as it seeks to develop relationships across international travel markets.
Armstrong’s role will also be important in supporting sales performance and positioning the group’s cruise products for future growth.
Global Corporate Travel – Drew Crawley Named CEO of American Express Global Business Travel
American Express Global Business Travel announced Drew Crawley as its new chief executive officer on 6 October 2026, succeeding Paul Abbott.
Crawley joined the organisation in 2020 and previously served as president, bringing experience in corporate travel management and commercial operations.
His appointment comes as business travel companies continue investing in digital booking platforms, automation and integrated travel management services.
Crawley will oversee strategic direction, international operations and relationships with corporate customers.
The transition follows significant corporate developments involving Long Lake Management.
His leadership will be closely watched as the company develops its services for businesses seeking efficient booking systems, travel support and cost management.
Global Hospitality – Leanne Harwood Takes Global Sales Leadership Role at IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Leanne Harwood as senior vice president, global sales, according to a report published on 7 October 2026.
Based in Atlanta, Harwood will lead international sales activities and strengthen relationships with corporate clients, travel management companies and distribution partners.
Her appointment comes as hotel groups continue adapting to changing demand across business travel, leisure holidays and group accommodation.
Global sales leadership is important for maintaining commercial relationships and improving access to international customer markets.
Harwood will support IHG’s commercial priorities by coordinating sales strategies and developing opportunities across its global hotel network.
The move highlights the growing importance of experienced commercial executives in the international hospitality sector.
Saint Lucia – Carl Beviere Becomes General Manager of Cap Maison Resort & Spa
Cap Maison Resort & Spa in Saint Lucia has appointed Carl Beviere as general manager, succeeding Ross Stevenson.
The appointment was reported on 5 October 2026 and introduces new operational leadership at the Caribbean luxury resort.
Beviere will oversee daily hotel operations, guest services, staff management and the continued development of the property’s hospitality experience.
Saint Lucia remains an established luxury holiday destination, attracting travellers seeking beaches, romantic escapes and personalised resort experiences.
Maintaining high service standards is particularly important for independent luxury properties competing in international tourism markets.
Beviere’s appointment will support operational continuity and the resort’s long-term commercial positioning.
Switzerland – Toan Ly Joins Andermatt Hospitality Management as Chief Commercial Officer
Andermatt Hospitality Management has appointed Toan Ly as chief commercial officer, hospitality, strengthening its commercial management team.
The appointment was reported on 5 October 2026 and comes as Switzerland’s luxury mountain destinations continue attracting international visitors.
Ly will oversee commercial strategy, market positioning and opportunities to improve hospitality revenue.
Andermatt offers Alpine tourism experiences throughout the year, including winter sports, mountain recreation and luxury accommodation.
The role will involve developing relationships with international travel partners and supporting the destination’s commercial performance.
His appointment reflects the importance of strategic sales and revenue management in the competitive European luxury hospitality market.
United States – Lisa Mercer Takes Charge of The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland has appointed Lisa Mercer as its new general manager, according to an announcement reported on 1 October 2026.
Mercer brings more than 25 years of luxury hospitality experience to the property.
She will oversee hotel operations, employee development, guest services and the delivery of brand standards.
Luxury hotels depend on consistent service, experienced management and strong customer relationships to maintain their market position.
Mercer’s appointment brings established hospitality leadership to the Cleveland property.
Her responsibilities will include maintaining operational performance while supporting personalised guest experiences and the hotel’s wider commercial objectives.
Global Travel Leadership Changes Reflect Wider Industry Priorities
Together, these ten appointments show how travel organisations are responding to different business priorities.
Tourism boards are strengthening destination marketing, while industry associations are maintaining organisational stability and international representation.
Cruise operators and hospitality groups are placing experienced executives in commercial and operational positions.
Corporate travel businesses are also prioritising technology, customer relationships and integrated services.
Although the appointments cover different markets, they share a common theme: the need for effective leadership in an increasingly competitive international travel industry.
October 2026 brings significant leadership changes across global tourism, travel associations, cruise companies and hospitality businesses. These ten appointments place experienced executives in positions supporting destination promotion, commercial development and service quality. Their leadership will help shape organisational priorities as international travel businesses respond to changing customer expectations and market opportunities.
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