Bermuda Tourism Authority has announced the appointment of Bill Hanbury as chief executive, reporting to the board of directors.

An industry veteran with over 25 years of senior management experience, Hanbury will be responsible for leading the newly created Bermuda Tourism Authority.

From 2009-2013, he was chief executive of the United Way of the National Capital Area, managing an iconic brand at a watershed moment in its history.

During his tenure, he: rebuilt the internal operating structure, implemented a development strategy that improved financial stability and rebuilt the organisation’s marketing, communications and digital capabilities.

Prior to that, Hanbury served as leader of Destination DC and the American Experience Foundation from 2001-2009.

While there he oversaw domestic and international marketing and sales for one of the world’s top tourism destinations.

Hanbury notes: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with the new Board of Directors, private sector partners and government officials to build a world-class organisation representing Bermuda’s extraordinary tourism assets.

“Bermuda is one of the globe’s premiere tourism destinations and to have an opportunity to work here is an honour and a significant professional challenge.

“I look forward to implementing the National Tourism Plan with the intention of creating jobs, increasing tax revenues and improving the overall tourism figures and its input to the Bermuda economy.”   

Hanbury holds a graduate degree in public administration from Harvard University and an undergraduate degree from Wilkes University.