Chief Executive, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
THE LATEST: During Wooden’s six years as chief executive of the city’s Tourism & Convention Board, Los Angeles has seen annual growth in the number visitors to the city. For 2018, L.A. hosted 50 million visitors, a 3.1% increase from 2017. Under his leadership, the tourism board has focused on a message of inclusivity with its L.A. Loves ad campaign.
BACKGROUND: Prior to joining the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Wooden spent his career in the hospitality industry. While working for Hilton Hotels Corp., he was named executive vice president in charge of brands including Waldorf-Astoria, Hilton, DoubleTree and Embassy Suites.
WORTH NOTING: Wooden started in the hospitality industry at age 16 as a bellhop at New York’s Sheraton Russell Hotel.
YEARS ON THE LA500: 4
