newsmaker/jb/mike1st/mark2nd

Maintaining good client relations is a trait Bob Thibault has picked up since taking a part-time job at Disneyland 21 years ago.

And after more than two decades with Disney, Thibault hopes to bring what he’s learned to the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau. He has been hired as the bureau’s vice president in charge of client development.

“I think you learn a lot by working for Disney, and there are certain things that are carried with you throughout your career,” said Thibault. In his new position, he will oversee membership retention and sales, along with the development of corporate sponsors for bureau programs.

“I want to bring what I’ve learned at a for-profit and apply it here at a non-profit. The (L.A. Convention & Visitors Bureau officials) really want to do more and do different,” he said. “I’m going to work on their corporate alliance side and improve and develop the relationships.”

The Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit association whose mission is to market Los Angeles as a destination for leisure and convention travelers. The agency currently has about 900 members.

Since 1980, Thibault has held a number of senior positions with Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Attractions, Regional & International marketing. Most recently, he helped launch Walt Disney Theatrical Productions, as its senior sales manager.

Thibault has a B.S. degree in business administration from California State University at Long Beach.

Joe Bel Bruno