WTCA appoints Annette Gregg as first female CEO in its 57-year history

The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) has appointed Annette Gregg as its first female chief executive officer in its 57-year history, with her tenure taking effect on 5 October 2026. 

Gregg will lead the global trade organisation’s strategic priorities, strengthen member engagement and expand opportunities for international business and investment.

30 years of leadership experience

Gregg brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across global associations, private enterprise, business events and hospitality. 

She joins WTCA from the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), where she served as CEO, leading a global association with approximately 3,700 members and 27 chapters.

During her tenure at SITE, Gregg increased top-line revenue by 160% over three years through diversified revenue streams and expanded membership by more than 70%. 

Previously, Gregg served as chief revenue officer at Meeting Professionals International (MPI), where she was responsible for approximately 70% of the organisation’s revenue and helped expand global product distribution across Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Focus on global member engagement

As CEO, Gregg will work with WTCA’s Board of Directors, members and global staff to advance the association’s strategic and business priorities. 

“WTCA has an extraordinary foundation — a trusted global brand and a network of Members with deep connections to businesses and communities across nearly 100 countries and territories,” said Annette Gregg, Chief Executive Officer, WTCA. 

She further added, “I see tremendous opportunity to build on that strength — listening to our Members, connecting ideas and opportunities across markets and finding new ways for this network to create meaningful business value. I’m honored to lead WTCA into this next chapter and excited to help strengthen the connections that make international business possible.”

WTCA connects more than 300 World Trade Center locations across nearly 100 countries and territories. 

Through its network, events and programmes, the association brings together business leaders, economic development organisations and businesses to exchange market intelligence, build cross-border relationships and identify opportunities for trade and investment.

WTCA enters a new chapter

Gregg’s appointment follows the recent return of WTCA’s global headquarters to the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan after 25 years. The association’s headquarters is now located at One World Trade Center in New York City.

John E. Drew, chair of the WTCA Board of Directors said, “Annette brings the combination of strategic vision, financial acumen and global stakeholder engagement that WTCA needs as we look toward the future.”

He added, “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated that she knows how to strengthen international organizations by listening to their Members, creating meaningful value and building connections across markets and cultures. 

“With Annette stepping into this new role and WTCA recently establishing its headquarters at One World Trade Center, we are building on a strong legacy while positioning the Association for its next era of global growth and impact,” he also noted.

Gregg will lead WTCA from its New York headquarters, working alongside its global headquarters and regional teams to support members worldwide as businesses navigate an increasingly complex international environment.