BestCities Global Alliance has a new volunteer leader.
Dr Edward Koh, executive
director of the conventions, meetings and incentive travel division of the
Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau, will take over as board chair.
Koh assumes the position from Kit Lykketoft, director of
the Copenhagen Convention Bureau. During her two-year tenure as board chair, Lykketoft
oversaw the addition of two new partner cities – Guadalajara and Dublin – and
successfully navigated the alliance through the global pandemic, among other
accomplishments.
In his new role, Koh will prioritise knowledge creation and
client engagement in the fields of legacy and sustainability, with a goal of
growing the global impact of meetings events. He is committed to enhancing
BestCities’ focus on economic, social and environmental sustainability,
enabling alliance members to offer delegates more responsible ways to meet amid
the growing climate emergency.
“I am delighted to take on the role of BestCities board chair to build on the
good work of my predecessors in seizing growth opportunities in the
post-pandemic world for our partners and clients,” said Koh.
“With our renewed focus on sustainability as a core value
proposition, we aspire to create more responsible impact and leave a lasting
legacy on the world. We look forward to generating new business insights and
possibilities for our partners, especially at the Global Forum in Melbourne
next year. We also welcome new partners to join BestCities’ expanding global
network as we harness the power of collaboration and community to make a
meaningful difference.”
“It has been a real pleasure serving as board chair for
BestCities for the past two years,” added Lykketoft. “Although the meetings
industry was directly impacted by the global pandemic, I’m proud of the team
for continuing to build the alliance and further its goal of creating positive
impact through business events. I have every confidence in passing the baton to
Edward, and look forward to the successes and positive forward momentum he will
undoubtedly achieve in his new role.”
Julia Swanson, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau, will
assume Edward’s vacated role of incoming board chair, and David Noack Perez,
director of the Madrid Convention Bureau, will take up the position of board
treasurer.
