Chicago -- Tim Roby, president of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau since April, today was named the organization's chief executive as well.
As CEO, Roby succeeds Chris Bowers, who departed in August 2005, although he has led the bureau as its top staff member from his position as president.
"Under Tim's leadership, convention bookings have increased … and our visitor numbers are at an all-time high," Greg Saunders, the bureau's board chairman, said in announcing Roby's promotion.
Prior to joining the bureau, Roby served for eight years as an executive with Kerzner International Resorts. As senior vice president he was responsible for the sales and marketing efforts of the company's flagship property, Atlantis, Paradise Island, in The Bahamas.
Prior to joining Kerzner, Roby was vice president of sales for MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, in Las Vegas. He also served as director of sales and marketing, convention services floor manager, and national sales manager over 13 years for several Hyatt hotels.