Tourism Calgary welcomes Alisha Reynolds as new CEO
May 06 2024 - 11:26AM
After an intensive search and competitive selection process,
Tourism Calgary welcomes Alisha Reynolds as the organization’s new
Chief Executive Officer. Reynolds will formally join Tourism
Calgary on June 3, 2024, initiating the leadership transition from
current CEO Cindy Ady, who announced her retirement late last
year.
“We are thrilled to have one of the industry’s rising stars join
Tourism Calgary as our new CEO,” said Mark Wilson, Chair of the
Tourism Calgary Board of Directors. “In addition to an impressive
resume, Alisha brings with her an infectious spirit that won the
unanimous support of the board. With a wealth of tourism business
and leadership experience, an appetite for innovation, and a strong
vision, Alisha is poised to lead us into a new era of growth and
possibility.”
The process of selecting a new CEO was meticulous and inclusive,
led by the board and guided by input and insights from key
stakeholders. The opportunity generated a significant amount of
interest from across North America and beyond. Reynolds’
exceptional track record, natural talent and blue-sky thinking
stood out among a field of exceptional candidates.
“I’m honoured and humbled by the opportunity to lead
Calgary’s vibrant tourism industry during a monumental time of
growth and opportunity,” said Alisha Reynolds, incoming CEO of
Tourism Calgary. “Calgary has limitless possibilities—our
world-class events, venues, and attractions create unforgettable
experiences for visitors. Tourism is not just an economic engine;
it’s a lifeline for countless businesses and a source of pride for
every Calgarian. I am eager to lend my vision and energy to this
dynamic landscape.”
This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Tourism Calgary.
Under Reynolds’ leadership, the organization will unveil and
execute a visionary 10-year tourism strategy for Calgary’s visitor
economy, identifying and actioning bold targets to support
Alberta’s goal of reaching $25 billion in yearly visitor
expenditures by 2035. Exciting projects like the BMO Centre
expansion, the new Calgary Event Centre and Culture + Entertainment
District, and the redevelopment of Arts Commons and Glenbow Museum
will come to fruition. As Tourism Calgary’s CEO, Alisha will be
tasked with building on this incredible runway of opportunity to
rally industry partners, harness the city’s welcoming spirit, and
drive the visitor economy to new heights.
Reynolds comes to Tourism Calgary from her role as Vice
President, Development (North America) for Northland Restaurant
Group. For the past seven years, she has worked for Northland
Properties Corporation (Canada’s largest, family-owned hospitality
company), in a variety of progressive leadership roles. At one
point, as Vice President of Sandman Hotel Group, she was
responsible for a portfolio of 23 hotels in Western Canada, and a
team of more than 1,000 people. Most recently, she has led the real
estate and development team for brands including Moxies, Denny’s,
Chop Steakhouse and Shark Club. Reynolds has also worked as a
corporate lawyer at two international law firms in Calgary and held
leadership roles in a range of service industries, including
hospitality (resorts, golf clubs, restaurants and hotels), finance
(banking) and professional services (law firms).
She holds Bachelor of Commerce and Juris Doctor degrees from the
University of Saskatchewan, a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate
Investments and Asset Management from Cornell University, and a
Master of Business Administration from Queen's University. She
lives in Calgary with her husband and three young children.
Reynolds will be spending time with Cindy Ady through June to
ensure a smooth transition. Tourism Calgary extends its deepest
gratitude to Cindy for her incredible leadership and contributions
over the last decade, and warmly welcomes Alisha to the family.
About Tourism CalgaryTourism Calgary is the official
destination management organization for Calgary's tourism industry.
For more than 60 years, the organization’s primary purpose has been
to promote Calgary and area as the destination of choice. With a
vision of making Calgary the ultimate host city, Tourism Calgary
markets the city locally, nationally, and internationally and
advocates for its ongoing development as a destination. The
organization hosts and attracts visitors, conventions and events,
and activates the city by fostering the growth of shareable,
memorable experiences. In 2023, Calgary saw an estimated 8.4
million visitors and a resulting visitor spend of $2.9 billion.
Visit us online at visitcalgary.com or follow @TourismCalgary on
social channels.
Kelly Bowman
Tourism Calgary
587-574-7875
kellyb@tourismcalgary.com