The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced that Manfredi Lefebvre, chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of luxury travel brand Abercrombie & Kent, will step into the role of Chair-Elect. He will officially assume the position this September at WTTC’s 25th Global Summit, set to take place in Rome.
Lefebvre succeeds Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares Management LLC, who has served as WTTC Chairman since November 2023.
With more than 40 years in the travel industry and over two decades as a WTTC Member, Lefebvre is a respected figure across the global tourism landscape. Widely credited with transforming Silversea Cruises into a world-renowned luxury brand, he now oversees a diverse investment portfolio through Heritage Group, spanning biotech, medtech, real estate, clean energy, and premium spirits.
In a statement, O’Hara praised his successor: “Manfredi is a visionary and a passionate advocate for our sector. I am honoured to pass the baton to someone who brings such depth of experience and commitment.”
For Lefebvre, the appointment is both professional and personal. “As the longest-serving member of WTTC, I’m elated to take on this esteemed role,” he said. “Travel & Tourism is in my DNA, and I look forward to serving our Members and steering the Council into its next chapter.”
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson also welcomed the announcement, adding: “Greg has provided outstanding leadership through a period of renewal. We now look ahead with confidence as Manfredi takes the helm. His breadth of experience will be a tremendous asset as we continue driving growth in a sector that has consistently outperformed the global economy.”
Lefebvre’s leadership marks a new era for the WTTC, as the organization prepares for its landmark summit in one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations.
