San Diego Tourism names new CEO
The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) has announced Daniel Kuperschmid as new President and Chief Executive Officer.
Kuperschmid is a 30-year Hyatt Hotels executive, and previously served as VP Global Asset Management at Hyatt Hotels Corp., where he managed a global portfolio of 42 hotels.
His appointment as SDTA President and CEO follows a comprehensive four-month national search led by SearchWide Global in partnership with an executive search committee.
Kuperschmid will assume his role March 24.
“Tourism is a critical economic engine of our city, generating $22 billion in economic activity and shaping our future growth,” said Shawn Dixon, SDTA Board Chair.
“Daniel’s experience and leadership will further unite our tourism community and elevate our destination.”
Kuperschmid began his career as a sales manager at Hyatt New Orleans, advancing through sales and marketing roles across multiple US markets.
He later served as general manager at Hyatt properties in Arizona, New Mexico and California.
From 2018 to 2024, he led the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego as Area Vice President and General Manager, overseeing eight hotels in the Southern California market.
During his Hyatt tenure, he drove revenue growth and group sales production, and oversaw major property renovations.
“The team at SDTA has done an outstanding job in making San Diego one of the top destinations in the U.S., and I am honored to build upon their efforts,” Kuperschmid said.
He has been an active volunteer in San Diego’s travel industry, having served on the SDTA Board of Directors, including as Board Chair from 2019 to 2023.
During his time as Board Chair, he was instrumental in selecting Julie Coker as SDTA’s President and CEO, who led the organization from 2020 to 2024.
He served on the advisory committee for the Yes for a Better San Diego campaign, supporting the San Diego Convention Center expansion, and the San Diego Tourism Marketing District Board of Directors from 2023 to 2024.
In 2024, San Diego welcomed 32 million visitors, who contributed a record $14.6 billion in direct spending locally.
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