Julia Simpson has been appointed as the new President & CEO, WTTC.

International Airlines Group (IAG) Executive Committee Member Julia Simpson has been named as President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), effective 15 August.

She takes over from Gloria Guevara, who leaves the position after four years leading the global tourism body.

Simpson brings extensive experience within the travel and tourism industry to the helm of WTTC, having served on the boards of British Airways, Iberia and most recently as Chief of Staff at International Airlines Group (IAG).

Her resume includes senior roles in the UK government, including advisor for the UK Prime Minister.

Julia Simpson said: “It will be a great privilege to lead WTTC as it emerges from the worst crisis in our history. Travel & tourism plays a critical role to our economies across the globe, accounting for 330m jobs in 2019. In many communities it is the backbone of family run businesses that have been left devastated.

“The travel & tourism sector has shown real leadership in ‘reopening’ the world safely and securely; and I look forward to shaping and driving the sector’s ambitious agenda to achieve long-term sustainable and inclusive growth.”