At the helm of this new chapter is Gloria Guevara, serving as President and Chief Executive Officer, leading an organization committed to a more collaborative model aligned with current industry needs. Alongside her, Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Council, reinforcing its global influence.
The new organizational structure integrates high-level profiles across key strategic areas. Esteban Velásquez has been appointed Executive Vice President of Business Development and Membership, overseeing global commercial strategy and member relations. Najib Balala, former Minister of Tourism of Kenya, assumes the role of Executive Vice President of Government Affairs and Research, strengthening institutional relationships and public policy development.
In the destinations segment, Maribel Rodríguez leads as Executive Vice President, fostering cooperation with international tourism leaders and reinforcing global sector representation. Meanwhile, Sarah Jukes serves as Vice President of Strategic Communications and Content, responsible for shaping WTTC’s global positioning and narrative.
Financial management is led by Chief Financial Officer Julio Solvas, who oversees the organization’s economic and administrative strategy. This core leadership team is complemented by an expanded group that reinforces operational capabilities across multiple areas.
Among them, Caroline Moultrie leads the Together in Travel initiative, while Christopher Imbsen serves as Vice President of Policy and Lola Uña Cárdenas as Vice President of Government Affairs. Natalie Duggal acts as Director of Finance, and Nejc Jus heads the Research department.
In the field of human resources and internal management, Esmeralda Ríos leads people operations, supported by Pablo Dopacio as Human Resources Manager. Strategic development is further strengthened by Marcela Lizárraga, Director of Strategic Alliances, who is responsible for advancing global partnerships.
The structure is further supported by a strong regional representation network. Mansor Waleed Al Abdullah oversees the Middle East region, Adolfo Reyes manages Membership and Relations in Europe, and Juan Antonio Arellano leads Latin America. They are joined by Roberto Palais, responsible for Europe and Africa within the destinations area, and Sarah Wang, Regional Director for Greater China. Daniela Wagner serves as Global Commercial Director.
This organizational expansion reflects a clear strategy aimed at strengthening WTTC’s global presence and enhancing its capacity to engage with governments, corporations, and international institutions. The combination of technical, strategic, and operational expertise enables the organization to more effectively address current tourism challenges, including digital transformation, sustainability, and sector resilience.
The choice of Madrid as the global headquarters is a deliberate decision, based on the city’s optimal conditions for hosting an organization of this scale. Its international connectivity, strong business ecosystem, and proximity to key tourism institutions facilitate collaboration and the development of joint initiatives.
Moreover, this move reinforces Spain’s position as a leading hub for strategic decision-making in global tourism. WTTC’s presence in Madrid supports the attraction of international talent, encourages investment, and strengthens the country’s leadership role within the sector.
Overall, the reinforcement of the leadership team and the establishment of a new operational base mark a turning point in WTTC’s evolution. The organization is now equipped with a more robust, diverse, and forward-looking structure, positioning it to lead the future of global tourism and to play a central role in shaping industry policies and strategies worldwide.
