Terranea’s CSO Appointed as Visit California’s Brand, Content Chair
Terranea Resort, Los Angeles’ oceanfront destination, announces Agnelo Fernandes, Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President, has been appointed as Visit California’s Brand and Content Committee Chair.
“The opportunity to help guide Visit California’s iconic brand is an exciting one, and I look forward to working with the committee, Vice Chair Charles Harris (Senior Vice President, Marketing, Visit Anaheim), and all of our members to develop and create marketing strategies to take the organization into the next decade,” says Fernandes.
Visit California’s committees play a vital role in the organization’s efforts to promote travel to the state of California, providing guidance on the $131 million global marketing program that supports the state’s $140.6 billion tourism industry. Each committee is comprised of highly specialized groups of industry leaders whose expertise and dedication shape specific areas of Visit California’s marketing program.
“Visit California is fortunate to have so many influential members of California’s travel and tourism industry serving as leaders of our organization,” Visit California President and CEO Caroline Beteta said. “Industry-led committees are an invaluable aspect of the program, and the oversight and guidance they provide is foundational to Visit California’s global efforts and the prosperity of California’s world-class tourism industry.”
As Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President for Terranea Resort, Fernandes oversees the business strategy, branding development initiatives, and revenue optimization for the 102-acre luxury destination. He actively serves on Terranea's Strategy Committee, providing input on growth strategies and also provides support to CoralTree Hospitality as the field leader for marketing and innovation initiatives projects.
In addition, he currently serves as the Chair of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation, and on the Board of Directors for HSMAI Americas, and is the past Chair of the HSMAI Marketing Advisory Council. He brings more than 25 years of strategic global leadership experience and has led the development, launch and repositioning of resorts and hotels in North America, Caribbean, Asia and Central America. He has held senior executive positions within the hospitality industry with recognized brands such as Canyon Ranch, Sonesta Hotels International, and Rex Resorts.
Fernandes was also selected by Lodging Magazine as one of the best and brightest hotel innovators and visionaries within the hospitality sector; he was the recipient of the HSMAI Resort Marketer of the Year Award and named one of the Top 25 Most Extraordinary Minds in Sales, Marketing and Revenue. Additionally, he was named the Leader of the Year and awarded Destination Marketing Professional of the Year by Destination Hotels and Two Roads Hospitality, and was nominated for the prestigious Spirit of Lowe award.