LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Cleo Battle has officially stepped into the role of Louisville Tourism’s president and CEO, following the June 30 retirement of Karen Williams. Battle has worked in the hospitality industry for nearly 35 years, receiving wide industry recognition and serving on a variety of boards during his career.
Doug Bennett has taken a new position as executive vice president of the destination marketing organization, bringing over 30 years of industry experience to the role, including serving as the organization’s senior vice president of convention development since 2015.
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Battle and Bennett will represent Louisville Tourism at industry tradeshows and conferences as well as provide strategic leadership and oversight of the organization in all aspects of its fiscal and daily operations.
As Battle takes the reins, he has invited the local hospitality community to attend a discussion on the future of travel at the annual Destination Marketing Forum later this summer. Battle will lead a discussion with Tori Emerson Barnes, executive vice president of public affairs and policy of the U.S. Travel Association, to provide updates and insights as Louisville prepares to rebound and recover.
The in-person event will take place at the Galt House Hotel, Grand Ballroom A, on Tuesday, Aug. 3. A recording of the event will be available after the live program concludes. Guests can register online to attend the program.
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