Board of Directors

The following is a list of our current board of directors, rollover the image to see their personal profile.

If you wish to contact any of the Visit USA Board of Directors please email info@visitusa.org.uk.

In addition to terms as Vice Chair and Chair, Matt - a travel ‘veteran’ of 50 years - also served as interim COO of Visit USA (UK) for a short time in 2012, helping the Board deliver re-organisation of the Association at that time. Currently Chair of the Finance Committee, focusing on budgetary and legal matters, he represents the heartland state of Oklahoma in the UK and Ireland, working with travel sector and media to build destination awareness and develop leisure travel product.

Matt Bates, Director

UK&NI + Republic of Ireland, Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department

Ivan started in Aer Lingus in the 90’s and has worked in many areas of Aer Lingus since then. For the past 16 years he has been working in sales, selling USA to Tour Operators and Travel Agents all over Ireland and UK by organising trade events in both countries. Representing Aer Lingus at many trade events all over the UK & Ireland to highlight their product & services on offer, Ivan has a great interest in travelling to USA and supporting most US sports.

Ivan Beacom, Director

Business Development Manager Sales, Aer Lingus

Kevin brings to the table nearly 30 years of relationships and commercial experience in the US outbound sector in tour operating, hotels, and theme parks/attractions. Beginning with Best Western Hotels in 1994 and then Walt Disney Parks & Resorts rising to the position of Commercial Director UK & Europe. Founding HAT Tourism Marketing in 2003. Kevin has built his success on innovation, and strong relationships within the travel industry, not only in the UK, but also across Europe, Canada and the United States where HAT Marketing operates.

 

 

Kevin Brett, Director

Managing Director, HAT Tourism Marketing

Ruby joined North America Travel Service in 1976, progressing after a couple of years from typist and book-keeper to Assistant Manager, then Manager. In 1986 she became Sales & Marketing Director before taking the role of Managing Director in 2006. Having spent 45 years with North America Travel Service Ruby has an immense passion, in-depth understanding and wealth of knowledge of the USA marketplace. Ruby has been a Board Director of Visit USA since 2008 and a member of the Visit USA Finance Committee since 2017.

Ruby Briggs, Director

Managing Director, North America Travel Service

Nadia Clinton joined Delta Air Lines in November 1995. She is currently responsible for maximizing Delta’s profitability in the UK market across all segments and overseeing Delta’s growing network in UK and Ireland. During this period Delta has experienced a total transformation of its business in the UK by cementing strategic joint venture partnerships and its expanded network. Her expertise includes: airline passenger sales, distribution policies and commercial joint venture implementation. Throughout her 25 years with the company, Nadia held a variety of positions in Delta’s organisation, including sales operations and sales development.

Nadia Clinton, Director

Regional Sales Manager UK & Ireland, Delta Air Lines

Lisa has worked in the North America market throughout her 32-year travel industry career, starting with Virgin Atlantic, where she worked her way through the ranks to head up the leisure sales team, working with tour operators and agents. She has a wealth of understanding of the North America market and its commercial realities and has been on the Visit USA (UK) board for the last six years.

At KBC, she cut her teeth in public relations working on the Florida Keys and Capital Region USA; but the travel trade is where her heart lies, moving into sales representation and has headed up the KBC trade team since 2010, developing the luxury and corporate markets.

Lisa Cooper, Director

Director of Trade & Representation, KBC PR & Marketing

Kirsty has been in the travel industry for over 25 years. A Classics graduate, Kirsty started her career working in marketing and public relations for a tour operator.

Kirsty joined TTM 20 years ago, and now leads the Communications team across its client portfolio. Kirsty has served on the Visit USA events and PR committees during this time and in March 2020 became a Board Director of the Visit USA (UK), continuing to work on the PR committee.

Kirsty Dillury, Director

Communications Director, Travel & Tourism Marketing Ltd

Andy has worked in the travel industry for 28 years in a variety of roles, starting as a youth trainee with Thomas Cook retail in 1993. Andy’s career progressed with Thomas Cook, working in several contracting, product, sales, and commercial roles over a 20-year period. Andy started his representation journey in 2015 managing the day-to-day relationships for the Bermuda Tourism Authority and Alabama Tourism Department for Global Travel Marketing. Andy owns and manages 5F Marketing that was launched in 2020.

Andy Facer, Vice-Chair & Director

Owner, 5F Marketing Ltd

Julie has a wealth of experience and knowledge within her career in the UK Travel Industry and she has worked in a variety of sectors including inbound sightseeing tours, traditional and e-commerce tour operators and representation for many areas of the USA.

Julie now represents the distinctive areas of Philadelphia and The Countryside of Philadelphia, Atlantic City and New Jersey. She has been a Board Director for two years and is the Chair of Visit USA (UK).

Julie Greenhill, Chair & Director

Director, GEC TR

James’ introduction to travel began in 1995, what was originally meant to be short-term stop-gap resulted in a career change spanning over 25 years.  James has widely travelled across North America and built extensive knowledge during his time at Virgin, to the point he regards the US as his second home. 

Today, James is responsible for contracting key regions within the USA, managing strategic partnerships, working closely with national and state tourist boards as well as product and route development for Virgin Atlantic Holidays.

James Killick, Director

Destination Manager, Virgin Atlantic Holidays

Tracy is the International Sales & Marketing Manager for Cruise America & Canada RV Rentals, North America's largest motorhome rental company. In this role representing over 35 locations in every major North American gateway, Tracy has built on Cruise America & Canada's overall exposure in the markets she has responsibility for, including most major Operators' programmes.

Tracy has 25 years’ experience in the Travel Industry which began with an airline and later for Tour Operators specialising in the North American market.

Tracy Thompson, Director

International Sales & Marketing Manager, Cruise America RV Rentals

 
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