KEY WEST, Fla.—Visit Florida Keys & Key West has named Ed Simon as executive vice president and chief sales officer. Simon will drive the strategic direction of both sales and business development efforts, and focus on leisure sales, group meetings, events, and long-term partnerships.
Simon brings more than 30 years of experience in travel and tourism to the table, with an extensive background in leading sales initiatives. His previous roles include executive vice president for Visit Lauderdale (the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau). After his effort in the expansion of the Broward County Convention Center, he was named the 2019 South Florida Hospitality Sales & Marketing Professional of the Year by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). Simon also served as vice president of sales for Destination Hotels and regional vice president of sales and marketing for Remington Hotels. He began his career with Associated Luxury Hotels, where he spent 17 years. In 2016, Simon launched the Association Meeting Buyer’s Collective, a cooperative marketplace serving associations and their hotel partners.
“Ed’s strategic vision, innovative mindset, and deep industry expertise will be instrumental as we amplify our sales initiatives and broaden our reach in key global markets,” says Kara Franker, president and CEO of Visit Florida Keys. “His track record of driving growth and leading high-performing teams speaks for itself, and we feel extremely fortunate to welcome him.”
