Visit London Commercial Director David Hornby has stepped down after six years in the role.
Hornby left the organisation on 15 May. He will be involved in a number of future projects including providing strategic advice to AEG Europe on the future development of
The O2's hotel and event facilities.
During the past six years, Hornby has played a significant part in promoting inbound business tourism to the capital and driving change within Visit London. His influence resulted in the re-launch of the London Convention Bureau, the formation of the capital's first major events team, Events for London, the creation of the free and impartial advice service Event Solutions and the development of Visit London's online activities.
Speaking about his decision to leave, Hornby said: "The role at Visit London has afforded me much professional success and gratifying achievement, and has provided me with varied, exciting and broad experiences, such as an amazing involvement with the London 2012 bid and the opportunity to build and work with an incredible team. During this time, we restructured the Visit London partnership offer and connected with many more of London's businesses allowing us to market the capital in a more compelling way. visitlondon.com is a world leading destination web site and I am also proud to have helped the team led by Jose Adams deliver great partnerships and commercial success.
Events for London is proud to have won and to be bringing events such as the NFL, UEFA Champions League Final 2011, World Badminton Championships 2011 and this year's first London Restaurant Festival, to our city. It is, and will be an exciting time for Visit London and with the foundations laid for continued achievement, I am very proud to have been part of a team that has inspired change and development for both Visit London and for the capital."
Visit London Interim Chief Executive Sally Chatterjee said: "After six years with the Visit London, David Hornby has made the decision to leave to focus on new challenges and opportunities. We would like to thank David for his hard work and contribution to the business and to wish him every success for the future."
She added: "Tracy Halliwell will continue to head up London's Business and Convention Services. Plans to find a suitable head for Events for London will be developed over the next few weeks."
Hornby concluded: "I would like to take this opportunity to commend those within the Events, Business Tourism and Commercial teams both past and present and thank them for their hard work, support and loyalty throughout the years we have worked together. I would also like to acknowledge Visit London's partners and the numerous industry stakeholders and colleagues for your collaboration and support. Having joined Visit London after 15 years in the hospitality, hotel and tourism industry – many of you are now firm friends and I look forward to remaining in contact and continuing our good relationship.
