Gordon Orr will now serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and Invest WindsorEssex.
The board of directors for both organizations approved the appointment, which will come into effect on July 2.
"Economic development and tourism are both key pillars of community development, and Gordon will leverage the synergies between these important portfolios to align initiatives with the overall mandates of each organization that ultimately support growth and prosperity in our region," said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, chair of Invest WindsorEssex. "Gordon has a proven track record as a tireless champion for Windsor-Essex, and for every individual, business, corporation, organization, asset, amenity, place and experience that makes Windsor and Essex shine locally, and on the world stage. We look forward to seeing what Gordon accomplishes to build and strengthen our region through this new opportunity.”
Orr has been the CEO of TWEPI since 2011 and has been working in the tourism industry for over 30 years.
“I am grateful for this career opportunity, and I thank the Boards of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and Invest WindsorEssex for the trust they are placing in me to be the CEO of both organizations. I very much understand the meaningful roles both regional entities have in being economic generators and job creators. With a strong bench of senior leaders and equally talented staff at both organizations, I look forward to leading these teams for the betterment of the entire region,” said Orr.
Orr will be assisted by senior leadership teams at both organizations. Jason Toner, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and Joe Goncalves, Vice-President of Investment Attraction and Strategic Initiatives at Invest WindsorEssex will help lead day-to-day operations at their respective organizations.