RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB/Visit Raleigh) Board of Directors announced that Executive Vice President Loren Gold will become President and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2027. The board voted unanimously to hire Gold as the next President and CEO after sitting leader Dennis Edwards announced last month that he will retire at the end of the year.
According to a press release, Gold has worked in the hospitality industry for nearly 40 years. He joined Visit Raleigh in 2005 as the director of sales and has served as executive vice president since 2007. Currently, he leads the development of strategic sales and marketing programs, including brand management, market research, marketing communications, advertising, destination data and technology and public relations.
Before joining Visit Raleigh, he held positions in the Washington, D.C., area as director of national sales in Wyndham International’s National Sales Office and as national sales manager for Marriott Hotels and Resorts. Gold also founded City Reps Inc., the nation’s first company dedicated exclusively to multiple CVB representation. He generated meeting and tradeshow business leads for bureaus in Cincinnati, Houston, Long Beach, Memphis, Minneapolis, Providence and San Jose.
“Working alongside Edwards for nearly 20 years, the board is confident Gold has the right combination of experience, leadership and vision to help the county maximize opportunities as a premier destination in the meetings and conventions, sports and leisure markets,” said Melissa Chunn, general manager at Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel and chair of the GRCVB Board of Directors. “Gold has tremendous relationships with local partners and stakeholders and is extremely well respected throughout the tourism industry. His knowledge and understanding of the industry and our community make him the perfect person for the position.”
Chunn continued, “With more than $2 billion in new tourism infrastructure under development in Wake County, it’s important that the bureau has stability and continuity to ensure the area continues to thrive and successfully execute the Wake County 10-year Destination Strategic Plan 2028 (DSP 2028). This succession plan will ensure a seamless leadership transition so Visit Raleigh staff can continue their great work, bringing visitors to Wake County as the county’s hospitality industry maintains its upward momentum.”
“A tourism career is not defined by titles, but by the opportunity to create meaningful community impact, build strategic relationships and help all our destination partners succeed. As I begin this new role, I am reminded that growth is driven by embracing new opportunities, staying a lifelong learner, pursuing innovation and consistently finding ways to add value. I’m deeply honored to accept this new role, energized by the opportunities ahead for Greater Raleigh and excited to help shape our destination’s next chapter,” said Loren Gold. “My sincere thanks to Denny Edwards for his exceptional leadership and mentorship. Working alongside him for nearly 20 years has been a true privilege. I am equally grateful to our incredible Visit Raleigh team, whose passion and dedication inspire me every day, and to our Board of Directors for their confidence in me and their unwavering support of Wake County tourism.”
Gold will oversee a staff of 35 with a $12.5 million budget and carry out the remaining implementation of the DSP 2028 priorities. He will also continue to serve on the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center Commission, the Granicus Destinations (formerly Simpleview) Advisory Board and the Wake County Hospitality Alliance.