SearchWide Global Brings on Executive to Lead International Expansion
January 9, 2020 – Executive recruiting firm SearchWide Global has added Annie Kristi Korsmo as vice president, taking the lead role in managing the company’s international expansion. She will open an international office for SearchWide Global in Norway and locations in Europe and the U.K. in the near future.
“As a company, we’ve been moving into the international market and knew we needed to expand our team internationally as well,” said Mike Gamble, president and CEO of SearchWide Global. “We talked to some exceptional candidates, but Annie stood out with her skills, personality and diverse professional experience. We’re excited to welcome her to the team and have her lead our global business efforts.”
Ms. Korsmo most recently served as director of conventions for Visit Oslo (Norway) from 2015 to 2019, and collectively has over 20 years of hotel and destination marketing organization experience within the international meetings, events and hospitality industry. Additionally, she served on the board for the International Congress and Convention Association (ICAA). Ms. Korsmo attended the University of Plymouth (U.K.) where she studied hospitality management.
“I’m delighted to be joining the SearchWide Global team,” said Ms. Korsmo. “Establishing an international expansion in Europe is an exciting opportunity for both SearchWide Global and our industry. I’m looking forward to working closely with industry professionals while developing our international branch.”
“I was deeply impressed by the professionalism and experience SearchWide Global delivers, and I was immediately drawn to their industry commitment and high level of service,” she said. “I’m humbled to be the chosen candidate to lead their international expansion, and look forward to serving our European clients.”
Recruiters Focused on Travel, Tourism & Hotels
SearchWide Global is a full service executive search firm primarily for companies in destination organizations / hotels and resorts / venue management / experiential marketing, tradeshow & exhibition / industry associations / sports and entertainment. Specializing in C-level and director level executive searches for companies ranging in size from Fortune 500 corporations to mid-sized public and private companies and associations. Founded in 1999, SearchWide Global is headquartered in the Twin Cities and operates worldwide.
SearchWide Global Finds CEO for Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau
Recently, SearchWide Global placed Martha Sheridan as president and CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. Mike Gamble, president and chief executive officer of SearchWide Global, led the assignment along with vice president Kellie Henderson.
The firm recently filled chief executive officer positions for Visit Aurora, Visit Baltimore, the Greater Newark Convention Center & Visitors Bureau, Visit West Hollywood, Kentucky State Fair Board, and the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. SearchWide Global is currently engaged in searches for top leaders at the Mobile Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Empire State Building Co., among others.
Last year, SearchWide Global formed a partnership with R4 Communications Strategies, based in Chicago, to offer its clients access to a variety of communications strategies, including media relations, advocacy and crisis management support. Such services can be particularly useful during times of executive transition. R4 Communications Strategies, a boutique strategic communications firm specializing in the travel and tourism industry, is owned by Meghan Risch, a communications strategist with more than 25 years in the hospitality, economic development, and travel and tourism industries.
“We believe the time is right to offer a strategic communications component that ensures confidentiality, allows for a smooth transition and conveys appropriate messaging for our client’s goals and objectives,” said Mr. Gamble.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
