Metropolis’s high tourism promoter to depart Select Chicago

Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism promoter, said Wednesday that its president and CEO David Whitaker’s contract will not be renewed.

Whitaker’s five-year contract expires on July 6, the group said. The decision not to renew the contract is mutual.

“Given his leadership and accomplishments over the past five years, the Executive Committee has asked David to stay for the life of the agreement, and David has agreed to stay for the duration of his term,” said Cynthia McCafferty, a group spokeswoman. “During this time, David will continue to work with the Choose Chicago leadership team to drive and execute the 2021 Strategic Plan and ensure a smooth and seamless transition.”

His exit comes in the midst of the turmoil for groups promoting economic growth and tourism here. The pandemic has cut revenue from hotel taxes and other funding sources, forcing executives to rethink strategies. The focus is on encouraging visitors and businesses to return after the health crisis is over.

Choose Chicago laid off some employees while the remaining employees made wage cuts. McCafferty said Whitaker’s departure had nothing to do with the pandemic or budget cuts. Prior to COVID-19, the group had an annual budget of around $ 30 million as the city broke tourism records.

Whitaker didn’t reply to a message. His last reported salary, according to the organization’s tax return, was $ 507,455 in 2018.

In a letter to the board of directors, Glenn Eden, chairman of Choose Chicago said, “This decision was a matter of considerable thought and thought. If we get to this conclusion early on, we will have nearly four months to carefully and strategically work out a transition plan. In collaboration with members of the Choose Chicago leadership team, this plan is already underway. “

Mayor Lori Lightfoot named Eden, executive vice president of public relations firm Weber Shandwick, chairwoman of Choose Chicago in 2019.

Local executives on the Choose Chicago board of directors include Nykia Wright, CEO of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Robert Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, which has an interest in the Sun-Times.

Another group, World Business Chicago, which is encouraging companies to move here, is also looking for new leadership. Andrea Zopp resigned as President and CEO on December 31st to join a venture capital company. The group also had to downsize.