Chris Thompson, President and CEO of Brand USA, Announces Retirement in 2024

Brand USA announced President and CEO Chris Thompson would retire on May 31, 2024, to pursue life beyond work.

During his time with the United States’ destination marketing organization, Thompson achieved several major milestones, including increasing international visitation, enhancing global awareness and promoting the U.S. as a premier travel destination.

Brand USA has commenced a search for a new President and CEO who will build on Thompson’s success and drive the organization forward. The Board of Directors will work closely with an executive search firm to identify a candidate with the necessary expertise, vision and passion.

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve as President and CEO of Brand USA,” Thompson continued. “I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that the organization will continue to thrive under new leadership.”

The current president helped build the brand’s success and fostered partnerships with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and international organizations, which has strengthened the organization’s position.

In response to Thompson’s decision to retire, The Brand USA Board of Directors voiced their appreciation of his “exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the organization.”

“Chris’s integrity, tenacity, passion and belief in the power of the travel and tourism industry to bring prosperity to all Americans, fueled the advancement of the US travel and tourism industry and established an organizational foundation of innovation, resiliency and future-focused confidence,” Brand USA Board Chair Todd Davidson said. “We all wish him the very best in his retirement.”