Jacksonville, FL – Paul Astleford was named president and CEO of Visit Jacksonville after serving in the same capacity in Columbus, OH for more than a dozen years.
Astleford was president and CEO of Experience Columbus from 2000 until his retirement in August. His resume spans 42 years in the hospitality industry, including a stint as president and CEO of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Board. He was also vice president of sales and marketing for Disney Resorts and Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Astleford assumed his new job after the New Year and was hired after a nationwide search to replace Daniel O’Byrne, who left Visit Jacksonville in December 2011.
“The Visit Jacksonville team is a strong, experienced group of industry professionals. They are excited about having such a well-respected industry leader at the helm,” said Kerri Stewart, senior vice president of Infinity Global Solutions, who served as interim president of Visit Jacksonville after O’Byrne departed.
Reach Paul Astleford at (904) 798-9111 or pastleford@visitjacksonville.com
