Tourism group introduces new CEO

The Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation announced today the hiring of its new executive director last week.

Jim Hudson will take over that position beginning October 3.
Hudson joins the regional tourism organization from the Bay Area Restoration Council based in Hamilton, which he has lead for more than four years. Through diversification of funding sources, he grew revenues for this non-profit organization by 52 per cent.
"For years, Jim has worked with multiple levels of government, academia, non-profit and for-profit organizations as an executive director, board member and CEO of various organizations," said Lori Da Silva, chair of the board of directors of Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation. "We're delighted to share this news with the tourism industry."
Hudson's corporate background includes CEO of IDS Group plc based in Minneapolis where he was able to grow revenues to $38 million U.S., reduce turnover by 70 per cent and restructure problem areas into competitive strengths.
His love of the tourism industry began some time ago when he worked for Air Canada and through the creation of his own company, Sea to Peaks LLC. Based in Minneapolis, Hudson's company offered niche travel and adventure opportunities in western Canada where he worked with destination marketing groups in Alberta and B.C.
He holds a Master of Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of Guelph, where he researched ways to promote collaboration in issue resolution for destination organizations.
Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation is one of 13 regional tourism organizations established in 2011 by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.