A new chapter for WTTC as it unveils its global team from Madrid | News
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced a new chapter for its global leadership and team, bringing together senior executives and former leaders, industry experts and ministers from across the travel and tourism sector to reflect the diversity and international character of the private and public sectors.
The leadership team demonstrates WTTC’s evolution to meet the current and future needs of the global private sector, with a broader mix of nationalities and expertise spanning different elements of the sector. WTTC’s growing team consists of 21 nationalities across five continents, including British, Spanish, Mexican, Saudi Arabian, Indian, Chinese and Kenyan.
A strengthened global leadership team
WTTC’s new leadership structure combines deep expertise across key strategic priorities:
Esteban Velásquez Wilhelm, Executive Vice President, Business Development and Members leads global commercial strategy, member engagement and strategic partnerships. With more than 25 years of experience in the global travel, hospitality and travel technology industries as former CEO of Karisma Hotels and Price Travel, Esteban has a strong track record in driving long-term growth and value creation.
Hon. Najib Balala, Executive Vice President, Advocacy, Government Affairs and Research, leads WTTC’s global advocacy agenda, government engagement and policy research. Najib is a globally recognized public sector leader and former Minister of Tourism of Kenya for over twelve years. He brings extensive experience in shaping national and international tourism policies and strengthening an enabling environment for the growth of travel and tourism.
Maribel Rodríguez Gamero, Executive Vice President, Destinations works closely with destination leaders around the world to support their growth and increase their representation in WTTC. With more than 25 years of international experience in aviation, hospitality, global events and destination development, Maribel brings deep expertise in shaping destination strategy and strengthening global tourism ecosystems.
Sarah Jukes, Vice President, Strategic Communications and Content oversees the development of messaging and content to amplify the voice of Travel and Tourism and position WTTC’s advocacy efforts. Sarah returns to WTTC from Burson, London and brings significant experience in strategic communications, international affairs and thought leadership across three continents, supporting engagement with governments, global institutions and key stakeholders.
Julio Solvas, Chief Financial Officer, oversees WTTC’s global financial strategy, governance, planning and reporting. With more than thirty years of experience in multinational and travel-related organizations, Julio brings expertise in financial management, multi-country operations and supporting organizational growth.
Caroline Moultrie, strategic leader, Traveling Together
Christopher Imbsen, vice president of policy
Lola Uña Cárdenas, Vice President of Government Affairs
Natalie Duggal, Chief Financial Officer
Nejc Jus, research director
Esmeralda Rios, Chief of Staff
Pablo Dopacio, HR Manager
Marcela Lizarraga, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Mansor Waleed Al Abdullah, Regional Director, Middle East
Adolfo Reyes, Europe Membership & Engagement Director
Juan Antonio Arellano, LATAM Regional Director
Roberto Palais, Regional Director Destinations Europe and Africa
Sarah Wang, Greater China Regional Director
Daniela Wagner, commercial director
A truly global organization
WTTC’s operations are based in Madrid, with regional directors spread across Latin America and the Caribbean, North Asia, South East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North America and Europe. This extensive regional presence strengthens the organization’s relevance and commitment to both members and destinations. It also enhances WTTC’s ability to understand local market dynamics, deepen relationships with key stakeholders and deliver more effective advocacy and research in the global travel and tourism sector.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC added: “We have built a leadership team that reflects the current and future needs and global nature of travel and tourism, with a broader mix of nationalities, expertise and perspectives than ever before. This diversity strengthens our ability to support our members, partner with governments and deliver the insights and advocacy needed to drive sustainable growth across the industry.”
Manfredi Lefebvre, Chairman of WTTC, said: “I am proud of WTTC’s global team as it brings together exceptional experience from around the world, allowing WTTC to play an even more influential role in shaping the future of travel and tourism.”
With a strengthened leadership structure and an expanded global footprint, WTTC is well positioned to continue its mission of supporting the growth of travel and tourism, driving job creation and advancing collaboration between the public and private sectors.
