Bob Jameson, the longtime general manager of the Worthington Renaissance Hotel in downtown Fort Worth, was named Thursday to become president and CEO of the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau, effective Jan. 19.
Jameson, 58, replaces David DuBois, who held the position for more than five years. He left the bureau in October to become president of the Dallas-based International Association of Exhibitions and Events, a trade organization. Jameson was chairman of the bureau's board when DuBois resigned.Jameson said it will be difficult leaving the hotel, where's he has worked since 1985, but said the new job is "a fabulous opportunity. It's an exciting time for the bureau."Gary Brinkley, FWCVB chairman and general manager of Stockyards Station, said Jameson was selected after an extensive national search."It was important for us to review a significant talent pool and choose the right candidate for our CEO," Brinkley said. "Long-term experience with an international hotel brand paired with great local working relationships made Bob the strongest candidate."Jameson will be responsible for the strategic development of bureau initiatives, including meeting and convention business, tourism development and destination promotion.Jameson said his 27 years of hotel experience will serve him well in the new position, as well as his work with other city organizations. He's also familiar with the workings of the CVB, having served twice as chairman of its board.Jameson said he already has ideas for his new job, including development of a 10-year strategic plan to advance the city's hotel industry as well as its visitor component as tourism grows locally, statewide and internationally."International travel is a significant component to Texas," Jameson said, adding that Fort Worth needs to make sure it's attracting those visitors here. "The work we do on behalf of our world-class city is critically important to our growth and prosperity."Johnny Campbell, chair of the search committee and president and CEO of Sundance Square Management, said: "Bob is the perfect hire to lead us into a new era at the CVB. Our committee was focused on finding a leader with strategic vision and a history of creating successful action plans as well."Mayor Betsy Price said Jameson "is a key hire for our CVB and for the city of Fort Worth."Jameson joined the Worthington in 1985 as its resident manager and was named president and general manager in 1987. Before coming to Fort Worth, he served as resident manager of Marriott International's Camelback Inn Resort Golf Club and Spa in Scottsdale, Ariz.The Worthington opened in 1981 as the Americana hotel. The name was changed in 1985 to the Worthington, when the hotel became independently owned and operated by the Bass family.Under his leadership, the Worthington was twice named Hotel of the Year within the Marriott system of 500 full-service hotels. In 1998, the Worthington was named Texas Business of the Year, Private Sector, by the Texas Association of Business and Chambers of Commerce.Jameson said Marriott has not yet named a new general manager.Sandra Baker, 817-390-7727Twitter: @SandraBakerFWSTHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
