NEW YORK, May 29 /PRNewswire/ -- NYC & Company, New York City's tourism, marketing and events organization, today announced two key appointments in its tourism and communications divisions. Diarmaid O'Sullivan has been named Associate Vice President, Tourism Development, and Christopher Heywood has been named Director, International and Domestic Public Relations, Travel & Tourism.
O'Sullivan will play an integral role in the tourism development team, led by Fred Dixon, Vice President, Tourism Development. Diarmaid will work closely with NYC & Company's 12 international tourism development offices and will take the lead on several key international marketing initiatives for the company.
Heywood will oversee the company's travel and tourism public relations efforts globally, cultivating relationships with domestic and international media, in both travel trade and consumer media outlets. He will work in tandem with NYC & Company's communications team, led by Kimberly Spell, Vice President, Communications.
"These two additions to our team are critical as we expand our global reach in an effort to reach Mayor Michael Bloomberg's goal of 50 million visitors by 2015," said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. "We are excited to have the talents of Diarmaid and Chris as we expand our tourism marketing and public relations efforts worldwide."
Most recently, O'Sullivan served since 2001 as the director of marketing and director of cultural relations, North America for Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), where he handled marketing for all 14 properties in the U.S. in addition to MHR global brand strategies. During his time with Millennium he was part of an executive team that was responsible for increasing the company's operating profit by more than 45% since 2002.
Heywood comes to NYC & Company after serving since 1998 as the manager of corporate communications for LA Inc., the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau.
During his time with LA Inc. Heywood worked closely with trade and consumer media and oversaw the development of the company's global marketing campaign, "See My LA," a promotion campaign that used 50 celebrities and personalities to promote the Los Angeles destination.
About NYC & Company:
NYC & Company is the official marketing organization for the City of New York, dedicated to building economic prosperity, maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide.
NYC & Company
CONTACT: Patrick Muncie for NYC & Company, +1-212-484-1270
