Howard Pickett

The San Francisco Travel Association has named Howard Pickett as the organization’s new Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, effective Oct. 16, 2013.

Pickett will be responsible for marketing San Francisco as a world-class convention and leisure destination, with the mission of producing significant numbers of visitors to stay overnight in San Francisco hotels.

He will be the chief architect of the San Francisco Travel brand strategy and visitor marketing programs, with an emphasis on leisure visitors.

“Howard brings an amazing background that is deep in both marketing and the travel industry,” D’Alessandro said.

“He is a proven leader in so many areas – branding, advertising, strategy, social media, e-commerce, direct marketing, partnerships, revenue management and more. He has marketed destinations, hotels, attractions, cruises, retailers and consumer goods.

Most of all, he is a team leader who can take the marketing of San Francisco in new and exciting directions.”

Most recently, Pickett worked for five years as Chief Marketing Officer for Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, the third largest ski area in the United States. His sales and marketing organization included guest experience marketing, advertising, public relations, social media, database and online marketing, revenue management, sales and convention services. He also served on the board of directors of Mammoth Lakes Tourism.

The San Francisco Travel Association, www.sanfrancisco.travel