Fred Dixon Named New President and CEO of NYC & Company
March 16, 2014
Transitioning from his role as interim president and CEO of NYC & Company, Fred Dixon has been named the city convention and visitors bureau’s new president and CEO.
Dixon will replace George Fertitta, who stepped down Jan. 1 after joining the bureau in 2006.
“Fred’s been such a star since he joined New York City & Company,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. “And I don’t know about you; the Southern charm definitely works … As I’ve spent time with him, I became as convinced as everyone on the board that this was the right man to lead the future of this great organization.”
With over 23 years of experience in the travel industry, Dixon has the overall responsibility for developing and implementing New York City’s tourism and convention development strategy internationally, as well as in domestic leisure and business markets.
At NYC & Company, where he has served as executive vice president of market development, he has built a professional sales and marketing team that is at the core of the organization’s strategy to increase visitation and increase economic impact across the city, according to bureau officials.
Joining NYC & Company in 2005, Dixon led the bureau’s focus on emerging global markets rapidly expanding the City’s presence from six traditionally strong origin markets to 18 offices covering 25 countries in just over two years.
The period from 2005 to 2013 has seen a 68 percent increase in international visitation from 6.8 million to 11.4-plus million a year, more than 1½ times faster than the US as a whole.
Economic activity as a result of international visitor spending is rising faster than the economy overall and reached $18 billion in 2013, a 68 percent increase since 2005.
The total economic contribution of the industry is now over $55 billion annually, supporting over 370,000 jobs and contributing $3.5-plus billion to local taxes.
Dixon has served on several boards, including National Tour Association (NTA), Tourism Cares, Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), US Travel Association/IPW Planning Committee and was the City’s appointment to the Board of the Javits Center Operating Corporation.
Prior to joining NYC & Company, Dixon served in key positions at the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Planet Hollywood International, The Biltmore Estate, the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, Delta Airlines and Group Sales Box Office.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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