Paul Astleford, president and CEO of Experience Columbus announced his retirement earlier today, which will take effect on December 31, 2012. Astleford has served as the leader of the Columbus convention and visitors bureau for the past 13 years.
“Columbus has been one of the most fulfilling and enjoyable chapters in my 43 year career in the hospitality industry,” said Astleford. “I leave feeling a great deal of pride in having been a part of the Columbus leadership team at a time of unprecedented transformation of our community’s collaborative strategic intent and the numerous resulting accomplishments.”
During Astleford’s tenure, his efforts and accomplishments include overseeing the creation of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, the creation of the Experience Columbus identity, championing the development of the new Hilton Columbus Downtown Hotel, and other branding and marketing efforts for the City of Columbus.
“Paul’s visionary leadership of Experience Columbus enabled us to dream big as a community,” said Lisa Hinson, Chairman of the Experience Columbus Board of Directors. “His impact on the growth of the travel and tourism industry for Greater Columbus has been transformational and we’re grateful for his numerous contributions to the economic vitality of our community.”
A national search process will begin to identify the next president and CEO of Experience Columbus.
More information can be found online at www.experiencecolumbus.com.