NYC Tourism + Conventions president and CEO Fred Dixon returns.
Fred Dixon will become President and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions on December 1, 2026. After more than two years as President and CEO of Brand USA, Dixon brings New York City destination marketing and international tourist experience to the organization.
Dixon was President and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions from 2014 to 2024, representing the city’s visitor economy and working with tourism stakeholders across all five boros to boost New York City’s global leisure and business travel status.
Dixon joined Brand USA, a destination marketing organization that promotes US travel, after NYC Tourism + Conventions. He learned worldwide traveller behaviour, international leisure and corporate travel trends, and tactics for attracting visitors from key overseas markets.
NYC Tourism + Conventions Board Chairman Charles Flateman said, “Fred Dixon has the rare combination of foundational New York City expertise, national leadership experience and global perspective that this moment requires. The Board carefully selected Fred to lead NYC Tourism + Conventions because of his proven ability to elevate New York City’s global brand, build industry partnerships, and understand international travel forces.
Fred Dixon remarked, “Returning to lead NYC Tourism + Conventions is an extraordinary honour and responsibility. I learned more about the global travel business and how to compete for international travellers at Brand USA. I come to New York with that experience and a deeper appreciation for its strength and the wonderful people and businesses that make its visitor economy so vital.”
He said, “I look forward to working with our members, partners and City leadership to grow visitation, strengthen our global position and ensure tourism continues to deliver for all five boroughs.”
Dixon will head NYC Tourism + Conventions’ efforts to promote New York City as the world’s top leisure travel, meetings, conventions and events destination and expand tourism ecosystem connections as President and CEO.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said, “New York City’s tourism industry strengthens our economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and businesses across all five boros. NYC Tourism + Conventions needs skilled leadership to compete for national and international visitors. Fred Dixon leads one of the City’s most vital economic areas with experience. I look forward to working with him, our tourism sector, and communities across the five boros to keep New York City a top tourist destination and help New Yorkers benefit from their economic opportunities.”
Dixon was appointed after the NYC Tourism + Conventions Board Search Committee, chaired by Board leadership, followed the organization’s bylaws. Russell Reynolds Associates assisted with the search.
Until Dixon takes over in December, Board Chairman Charles Flateman will oversee NYC Tourism + Conventions’ staff and business functions with the Executive Leadership Team.
About 65 million people visited New York City last year, spending $55.6 billion. Over $7 billion in tax income and 400,000 employment are generated by tourism in the city’s five boros.
