San Francisco Travel Association – the official destination marketing organisation for the City and County of San Francisco – has appointed Anna Marie Presutti President and CEO, effective immediately.
Ms Presutti had been serving as San Francisco Travel’s interim President and CEO since mid-May.
She will oversee one of the US’ oldest and largest membership-based tourism promotion organisations. San Francisco Travel markets and sells the destination globally to attract conventions, meetings and leisure travellers. Tourism is one of the leading industries in San Francisco and is the top generator of outside revenue into the city’s economy. In 2023, tourism accounted for $9.3bn in total visitor spending and generated nearly $610m in tax revenues.
John Anderson, San Francisco Travel Board Chair said: “After an extensive search that spanned the country, the Executive Search Committee realised the best candidate was already in the job. Anna Marie is the ultimate champion of San Francisco and a bold, experienced leader. As a two-time SF Travel Board Chair, Anna Marie is deeply familiar with the organisation, its customers and its culture, and her continued leadership will drive the marketing and awareness of this destination.”
Anna Marie Presutti, CEO and President, San Francisco Travel Association said: “I am passionate about this city and have been a part of San Francisco’s tourism industry for over twenty years. As we emerge from this challenging time, we have much to look forward to. My priority is to lean into the momentum building and return our convention business to a healthy level. We will invest in marketing San Francisco’s great strengths, including its culinary scene and arts and culture, and collaborate with other organisations, such as the Bay Area Host Committee, to bring more world-class events here.”
Prior to accepting her new role, Ms Presutti was Vice President and General Manager of Hotel Nikko San Francisco. She made history there in 2006 when she was appointed the first female vice president for Tokyo-based Nikko Hotels International. Presutti made history again this year when appointed San Francisco’s Travel’s first female CEO.
Before joining Hotel Nikko San Francisco in 2004, Ms Presutti served as area director of sales and marketing for Kimpton Hotels in San Francisco. Her experience also includes leadership positions with ITT Sheraton, Hilton Hotels and Sunstone Hotel Properties.