LONDON — WTTC’s Gloria Guevara, a prominent figure throughout the pandemic who has advocated for the safe resumption of travel, will be handing over the reins to a new President and CEO.

Effective Aug. 15, International Airlines Group (IAG) Executive Committee Member Julia Simpson will step into the role, bringing with her extensive experience in Travel & Tourism. She previously served on the boards of British Airways, Iberia and most recently as Chief of Staff at IAG. She also held senior roles in the U.K. government including advisor for the U.K. Prime Minister. 

On her new role, Simpson said: “It will be a great privilege to lead WTTC as it emerges from the worst crisis in our history. Travel & Tourism plays a critical role to our economies across the globe, accounting for 330 million jobs in 2019. The Travel & Tourism sector has shown real leadership in ‘reopening’ the world safely and securely, and I look forward to shaping and driving the sector’s ambitious agenda to achieve long-term sustainable and inclusive growth.”

Carnival Corporation President and CEO Arnold Donald, who was recently appointed as Chair of WTTC, said he is “delighted” to welcome Simpson, describing her as an “exceptional leader with experience both in the private sector and in government.” He also thanked Guevara for her many contributions during her tenure, especially throughout this past year.

“Her contributions have been immeasurable, from helping to unite the sector as it manages and recovers from the pandemic, to providing a clear voice and direction for the safe restart of international travel,” said Donald. “I and the entire executive committee are grateful for Gloria’s continued help through this transition and her support to WTTC.”

Guevara, the former Tourism Secretary of Mexico, joined WTTC in August 2017. She has been a leading voice for the global Travel & Tourism sector throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, helping unite the sector and define a path for its recovery. 

“It is with a heavy heart that I leave WTTC,” she says. “I am very proud to have led this diverse and talented team and to have worked with so many amazing industry leaders who are WTTC’s Members, and built strong relationships with government heads of tourism around the world.”

Guevara added: “I leave WTTC after completing my mandate, in a stronger position as the voice of the private sector and the leader of the global agenda. I know that under Julia’s solid leadership, WTTC will continue to build on this legacy and lead it into its next chapter, championing the entire global Travel & Tourism sector to its recovery.”