The San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau (ConVis) has named Joe Terzi, its interim president and CEO since March, its permanent president and CEO, effective immediately. A former senior vice president at Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Terzi retired from Starwood on Jan. 1, 2009, and previously served for 12 years on the San Diego CVB's board of directors, of which he was chairman in 2004."It is truly an honor to be associated with an organization that is continually recognized as one of the leading destination marketing organizations in the country," Terzi said in a statement. "I'm fully committed to leading the incredibly talented team at ConVis in attracting more business and leisure visitors to San Diego."Because of his prominent position within San Diego's hotel industry, Terzi is the ideal person to lead ConVis, according to the CVB's board chairman, Andy Fichthorn, executive vice president and general manager of SeaWorld San Diego."Tourism is critical to the San Diego economy, and we are delighted that Joe has accepted this important position," he said. "His in-depth knowledge and decades of experience and leadership in the hospitality industry will guide the bureau through these difficult economic times. We know that Joe is the right person for the current challenges and the future of ConVis."Terzi replaces David Pekinpaugh, who asked this spring that ConVis not extend his contract beyond its June 30, 2009, expiration date.