RALEIGH, N.C.—Visit Raleigh has named executive vice president Loren Gold as its next president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2027, following a unanimous vote by the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) Board of Directors. Gold will succeed Dennis Edwards, who announced last month that he will retire at the end of 2026.
Gold brings nearly 40 years of hospitality experience to the position. He joined Visit Raleigh in 2005 as director of sales and has served as executive vice president since 2007. In his current role, he leads strategic sales and marketing initiatives, including brand management, market research, marketing communications, advertising, destination data and technology, and public relations.
Before joining Visit Raleigh, Gold held positions in the Washington, D.C., area as director of national sales for Wyndham International’s national sales office and national sales manager for Marriott Hotels and Resorts. He also founded City Reps Inc., the nation’s first company dedicated exclusively to representing multiple convention and visitors bureaus, generating meeting and trade show business leads for destination bureaus in Cincinnati, Houston, Long Beach and San Jose, Calif.; Memphis, Tenn.; Minneapolis, and Providence, R.I.
“Working alongside Edwards for nearly 20 years, the Board is confident Gold has the right combination of experience, leadership, and vision to help the county maximize opportunities as a premier destination in the meetings and conventions, sports, and leisure markets,” says Melissa Chunn, general manager of Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel and chair of the GRCVB Board of Directors. “Gold has tremendous relationships with local partners and stakeholders and is extremely well respected throughout the tourism industry. His knowledge and understanding of the industry and our community make him the perfect person for the position.”
Chunn also emphasized the importance of leadership continuity as Wake County advances its tourism development plans.
“With more than $2 billion in new tourism infrastructure under development in Wake County, it’s important that the bureau has stability and continuity to ensure the area continues to thrive and successfully execute the Wake County 10-year Destination Strategic Plan 2028 (DSP 2028)” Chunn says. “This succession plan will ensure a seamless leadership transition so Visit Raleigh staff can continue their great work, bringing visitors to Wake County as the county’s hospitality industry maintains its upward momentum.”
As president and CEO, Gold will oversee a staff of 35 and a $12.5 million budget while guiding the remaining implementation of DSP 2028 priorities. He will also continue serving on the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center Commission, the Granicus Destinations Advisory Board, formerly known as the Simpleview Advisory Board, and the Wake County Hospitality Alliance.
“A tourism career is not defined by titles, but by the opportunity to create meaningful community impact, build strategic relationships, and help all our destination partners succeed,” Gold says. “As I begin this new role, I am reminded that growth is driven by embracing new opportunities, staying a lifelong learner, pursuing innovation, and consistently finding ways to add value. I’m deeply honored to accept this new role, energized by the opportunities ahead for Greater Raleigh, and excited to help shape our destination’s next chapter. My sincere thanks to Denny Edwards for his exceptional leadership and mentorship. Working alongside him for nearly 20 years has been a true privilege. I am equally grateful to our incredible Visit Raleigh team, whose passion and dedication inspire me every day, and to our Board of Directors for their confidence in me and their unwavering support of Wake County tourism.”
