 As part of an ongoing effort to develop new ways to drive significant economic impact to the region, the San Diego Convention Center Corporation has hired Mohsen Khaleghi to lead its new business development strategy initiative.
Khaleghi joined SDCCC as the Senior Vice President/Chief Business Development Officer, reporting to President & CEO Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, CFE, effective Monday, November 7, 2016.
Khaleghi most recently served as a member of the SDCCC Board of Directors and was Chair of the Business Development Ad Hoc Committee. He resigned from his position as board member in October.
“We are very excited about having Mohsen join our team,” said Rippetoe. “Our core business purpose remains to be the region’s premier gathering place for conventions, meetings and events. Our future goals include improving efficiencies and developing new business here at the San Diego Convention Center, including our own owned-and-operated events. We intend on finding ways to increase revenue and generate room nights that create additional economic impact for San Diego.”
Khaleghi brings years of experience in the hospitality industry to his role, with an exceptional record of success in developing new business, phases of operations, sales and marketing, revenue management, sponsorship development and asset management.
“I am thrilled about joining the San Diego Convention Center Team,” said Khaleghi. “As we all know first hand, San Diego is a phenomenal destination with so much to offer. There are so many opportunities for new and exciting events, including those that we could own and operate in-house to reconnect our facility that lies in the heart of our downtown with the local community. I think the work ahead will make all of San Diego proud. I believe through collaborative efforts with all stakeholders we can continue to drive economic activities for our city and the region.”
Khaleghi worked for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts for over 30 years including General Manager positions at both the La Jolla and Mission Bay properties. He also was the Hotel Manager at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.
“He has extensive experience with our market and understands the dynamics of marketing San Diego as a destination,” said Rippetoe. “Having been a recent board member, he also has intimate knowledge of who we are as an organization and our goals.”
Khaleghi received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Florida International University, and branched into hospitality through his engineering expertise. He is actively engaged in service to San Diego. He is the past chair and president of the San Diego County Hotel & Motel Association. He was one of the charter board members of the San Diego Marketing District and he served as an executive committee member/treasurer and board member of the San Diego Tourism Authority. In 2005, he was recognized as the San Diego Hotel Person of the Year and in 2010, he was nominated as the General Manager of the Year for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. |
