After nearly six years leading Canada’s destination marketing organization, Marsha Walden is stepping down as CEO of Destination Canada.
Walden’s last day is June 30. Destination Canada, a crown corporation, is prepared to appoint Chief Financial Officer Meaghan Ferrigno — who has led the team’s data and research strategy, including work on an AI-powered tourism data platform — as interim CEO.
The move had been expected. Walden’s five-year contract ended last August, but succession plans were delayed due to last year’s federal election.
Now, her departure has been made official — right as the destination has stepped into the global spotlight as one of three hosts for this year’s World Cup. Canada expects to draw in more than 1 million visitors for the tournament.
Walden was named Destination Canada CEO in August 2020, following stints as the head of Destination British Columbia and executive positions
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