Brand USA’s Evans steps down

Brand USA CEO, Jim Evans has stepped down from his post. Caroline Beteta, Brand USA chairman-elect, has been tapped to take over the CEO role on an interim basis and has immediately assumed her new responsibilities. The year-old organization’s board of directors has already started the search for Evans’ replacement. Agreement on the changes was reached in consultation with the board, and comes as the organization pivots from a start-up endeavour to securing its place as the nation’s destination marketing organization (DMO). Beteta is the CEO of Visit California, and a longtime industry veteran. Thanking Evans for his contribution, Beteta said: “Brand USA has hit critical milestones in its development and now is at an important transition point. Our focus going forward is to build on the momentum the organization has established by increasing and deepening our partnerships with the travel industry, building out co-op marketing opportunities to attract increased private-sector funding, and enhancing our responsiveness and communications with our government partners.” As for Evans, he said that: “As I reflect on the accomplishments of the last year, I am gratified in how much progress we have made. I know I leave Brand USA with a great foundation and a strong team that will take the organization forward.” Go to http://www.thebrandusa.com for more.