Loren Gold to Lead Visit Raleigh Starting January 2027

The Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau board has appointed Loren Gold as the next president and CEO.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in People

Loren Gold to Lead Visit Raleigh Starting January 2027

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Effective January 1, 2027, Loren Gold will become the president and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau. He succeeds Dennis Edwards, who announced his retirement from the organization in September 2026.

Why it matters

The leadership change aims to provide stability as the bureau moves forward with the Destination Strategic Plan 2028. Gold will oversee significant growth, including $2 billion in new tourism infrastructure currently under development in Wake County.

Loren Gold manages an annual budget of $12.5 million and a staff of 35 employees. His leadership follows nearly 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

The players

Loren Gold

He is the incoming president and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau who previously served as executive vice president.

Dennis Edwards

He is the outgoing president and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau who announced his retirement in 2026.

The details

The board of directors voted unanimously to promote Gold, who has served as the organization's executive vice president since 2007. He will continue his work with the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center Commission and the Wake County Hospitality Alliance while leading the bureau.

Loren Gold joined Visit Raleigh in 2005.
Gold became executive vice president in 2007.
Dennis Edwards announced his retirement in September 2026.
Loren Gold becomes president and CEO on January 1, 2027.

Market Landscape

This leadership transition aligns the bureau with the long-term goals outlined in the Destination Strategic Plan 2028. It positions the organization to maintain momentum during a period of massive local tourism expansion.

The transition ensures steady management of major hospitality projects currently transforming Wake County. Residents and local businesses can expect continued consistency in the promotion of the area as a major destination.

The takeaway

The appointment of a long-term internal veteran like Loren Gold signals a strategic focus on consistency. Organizations undergoing multi-year infrastructure growth often prioritize internal candidates to avoid disruption to long-term development goals.