Michael Gehrisch announced he would end his 15-year tenure as president and CEO of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), the exclusive global association representing the destination marketing industry.
Gehrisch has led DMAI since the end of 2000 and is one of the most recognized hospitality association executives in the industry having previously served for a number of years as Executive Vice President of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and before that with Marriott Hotels & Resorts.
“We are thankful and appreciative of the leadership and significant contributions Michael has made during his tenure which have made a positive impact on the growth and respect of the destination marketing industry internationally. We wish him the best as he moves on to a new chapter in his life,” said Bob Lander, Chairman of the DMAI Board of Directors and President and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau.
In the interim, the Executive Committee will work in support of current DMAI COO, Charles Jeffers, to ensure the organization operates smoothly until a new CEO is selected. Additionally, the organization has a previously scheduled strategic planning session in October in Dallas with DMAI board and Destination & Travel Foundation trustees, as well as industry leaders that will jointly craft a plan going forward and determine the search process for a new CEO.
Lander said that he sees this interim period as a time of full engagement with the industry. “We want to have productive talks with key DMO stakeholders on the future of our association so that we enhance our relevancy to larger members and determine how we can best serve the interests of all DMOs. Times of transition provide an opportunity to redefine an organization, be inclusive and create a new way forward,” Lander said. He added that he expects no immediate changes to DMAI programming or meetings.
