LOS ANGELES TOURISM WELCOMES NEW CHIEF SALES OFFICER TO LEAD SALES & SERVICES STRATEGY IN PIVOTAL YEARS AHEAD

LOS ANGELES (September 25, 2025)—Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mario Thompson as Chief Sales Officer, effective September 30.

“After an extensive, national search conducted by Korn Ferry, we could not be more excited to welcome Mario to our executive team,” said Adam Burke, President & CEO, Los Angeles Tourism. “Having spent much of his career successfully representing destinations that compete directly with Los Angeles, Mario brings a valuable perspective on what sets our community apart, and I’m confident that he will leverage that insight to sharpen LA’s competitive positioning in the global meetings marketplace. Having worked directly with Mario at tradeshows, on sales missions, and through our Sales Advisory Council, I’ve seen his passion for Los Angeles, strategic mindset, and collaborative spirit first-hand, and I look forward to partnering with him in this new capacity.”

Thompson brings more than 20 years of sales leadership experience with Hilton Hotels and Resorts and Marriott International across major markets, including San Diego, Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York. Most recently, he served as Market Director of Sales & Marketing for the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE and The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, where he oversaw group, catering, and leisure sales, as well as marketing performance for two of the city’s flagship properties.

As Chief Sales Officer, Thompson will lead Los Angeles Tourism’s global sales & services strategy, driving professional meetings, conventions, and major events to hotels and venues across the region, as well as the Los Angeles Convention Center Campus. Thompson will play a critical role in advancing Los Angeles Tourism’s mission to improve the quality of life for all Angelenos through the economic and community benefits of tourism.

“It’s an honor to be joining Los Angeles Tourism at this exciting moment in time,” said Thompson. “Los Angeles is an unmatched destination for meetings and events, with its world-class venues and hotels and dynamic cultural landscape. I look forward to working with our Citywide, Hotel Sales, and Services teams and partners across the LA region to showcase everything our city has to offer and secure transformative events for the future.”

A passionate advocate for the City of Angels, Thompson has already built strong relationships with customers, planners, partners, and the Los Angeles Tourism team. His appointment underscores the organization’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with stakeholders and ensuring that Los Angeles remains a top choice for world-class meetings and events.

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ABOUT LOS ANGELES & LOS ANGELES TOURISM    
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is the official, non-profit tourism promotion organization for the City of Angels, and the ultimate resource for where to stay and play in the LA area. With its mission to improve the quality of life for all Angelenos through the economic and community benefits of tourism, Los Angeles Tourism is proud to represent nearly 1,000 Member businesses across the region who depend on travel and tourism for their livelihoods, including over 540,000 residents who work in tourism-related careers.

Los Angeles is a dynamic, ever-evolving destination – where diversity thrives, and everyone is welcome. Discover the true LA by exploring its more than 30 culturally rich neighborhoods, each one offering a distinct vibe. LA is home to more than 300 days of warm sunshine, 75 miles of idyllic shoreline, more museums and performing arts venues than any other U.S. city, and an innovative culinary scene led by influential tastemakers. A global creative capital and the epicenter of the sports universe, LA presents limitless possibilities for visitors from around the world. For more information, visit discoverlosangeles.com, follow at facebook.com/DiscoverLosAngeles, or @discoverLA on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.  

MEDIA CONTACTS

Meryl Vissel 
Senior Director, Corporate Communications 
mvissel@latourism.org
(213) 236-2326  

Hilary Feutz
Director, Sales Marketing
hfeutz@latourism.org  
(213) 236-2362