Explore St. Louis Welcomes Brad Dean as New President and CEO to Lead Tourism Initiatives
Explore St. Louis has officially introduced Brad Dean as its new President and CEO, a decision that comes after a comprehensive search process by the Board of Commissioners. Effective February 17, 2025, Dean will take the helm of the organization that drives St. Louis’s $5.9 billion tourism and convention industry.
With over 20 years of experience in the destination marketing sector, Dean previously served as CEO of Discover Puerto Rico and spent two decades leading the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. His tenure at Discover Puerto Rico was pivotal, as he implemented strategic initiatives that revitalized the island’s tourism following Hurricane Maria, turning it into a thriving destination once again.
By significantly boosting Puerto Rico's tourism footprint, he underscored his ability to enhance economic impact and destination appeal. At Myrtle Beach, his strategies not only increased visitor numbers but also enhanced the area's tourism infrastructure, firmly establishing it as one of America's premier coastal destinations.
Dean holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Illinois and is well-equipped with expertise in strategic planning, destination branding, and fostering stakeholder collaborations necessary for promoting St. Louis effectively.
Chairman of the Commission, Steve O'Loughlin, expressed great enthusiasm over Dean's appointment, noting, "Brad's impressive track record in destination marketing and his in-depth knowledge of the tourism and convention landscape make him the perfect leader for Explore St. Louis. We’re excited for him to help us attract new visitors and drive economic growth."
To ensure a thorough selection process, Explore St. Louis partnered with Searchwide Global, a leading executive search firm. Mike Gamble, the firm’s Chairman and CEO, highlighted Dean’s reputable standing in the industry and his history of fostering growth and innovation, believing he is perfectly positioned to propel Explore St. Louis’s mission.
In his upcoming role, Dean will spearhead efforts to draw visitors from around the globe. This will involve promoting conventions, concerts, and events at venues like America’s Center and The Dome, aligning with the organization's goal to solidify St. Louis as a desirable global destination. Dean stated, "I am deeply honored to join Explore St. Louis and eager to embark on this next chapter. The community is rich in history, culture, and incredible people. I see tremendous opportunities to amplify St. Louis as a premier destination for visitors while enhancing community welfare. Together, we will highlight what makes St. Louis unique, forge strategic partnerships, and ensure that our tourism initiatives bolster economic growth and quality of life for our residents."
About Explore St. Louis
Explore St. Louis operates as the official destination marketing organization for both St. Louis City and County, facilitating the tourism and convention sector funded by the hotel tax paid by visitors. As the key player behind the region’s tourism initiatives, it aims to expand and enhance the visitor experience. With Dean at the forefront, there’s a renewed sense of optimism regarding St. Louis’s future in tourism and community engagement.
This leadership transition represents a significant moment for Explore St. Louis and the broader St. Louis community, as they continue to navigate the competitive tourism landscape to attract more visitors and foster economic growth.
With over 20 years of experience in the destination marketing sector, Dean previously served as CEO of Discover Puerto Rico and spent two decades leading the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. His tenure at Discover Puerto Rico was pivotal, as he implemented strategic initiatives that revitalized the island’s tourism following Hurricane Maria, turning it into a thriving destination once again.
By significantly boosting Puerto Rico's tourism footprint, he underscored his ability to enhance economic impact and destination appeal. At Myrtle Beach, his strategies not only increased visitor numbers but also enhanced the area's tourism infrastructure, firmly establishing it as one of America's premier coastal destinations.
Dean holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Illinois and is well-equipped with expertise in strategic planning, destination branding, and fostering stakeholder collaborations necessary for promoting St. Louis effectively.
Chairman of the Commission, Steve O'Loughlin, expressed great enthusiasm over Dean's appointment, noting, "Brad's impressive track record in destination marketing and his in-depth knowledge of the tourism and convention landscape make him the perfect leader for Explore St. Louis. We’re excited for him to help us attract new visitors and drive economic growth."
To ensure a thorough selection process, Explore St. Louis partnered with Searchwide Global, a leading executive search firm. Mike Gamble, the firm’s Chairman and CEO, highlighted Dean’s reputable standing in the industry and his history of fostering growth and innovation, believing he is perfectly positioned to propel Explore St. Louis’s mission.
In his upcoming role, Dean will spearhead efforts to draw visitors from around the globe. This will involve promoting conventions, concerts, and events at venues like America’s Center and The Dome, aligning with the organization's goal to solidify St. Louis as a desirable global destination. Dean stated, "I am deeply honored to join Explore St. Louis and eager to embark on this next chapter. The community is rich in history, culture, and incredible people. I see tremendous opportunities to amplify St. Louis as a premier destination for visitors while enhancing community welfare. Together, we will highlight what makes St. Louis unique, forge strategic partnerships, and ensure that our tourism initiatives bolster economic growth and quality of life for our residents."
About Explore St. Louis
Explore St. Louis operates as the official destination marketing organization for both St. Louis City and County, facilitating the tourism and convention sector funded by the hotel tax paid by visitors. As the key player behind the region’s tourism initiatives, it aims to expand and enhance the visitor experience. With Dean at the forefront, there’s a renewed sense of optimism regarding St. Louis’s future in tourism and community engagement.
This leadership transition represents a significant moment for Explore St. Louis and the broader St. Louis community, as they continue to navigate the competitive tourism landscape to attract more visitors and foster economic growth.
Topics Travel）
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