The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) has announced its new leader. In mid-February, Daniel Kuperschmid was chosen as the organization’s new president and CEO, selected by its board of directors. The appointment comes after a lengthy four-month search led by SearchWide Global of St. Paul, Minnesota, in partnership with an executive search committee made up of regional tourism and business leaders. Kuperschmid fills the vacant spot left by previous CEO Julie Coker, who has since moved on to lead New York City Tourism + Conventions’ board of directors.
“Tourism is a critical economic engine of our city, generating $22 billion in economic activity and shaping our future growth,” says Shawn Dixon, SDTA board chair and chief operating officer of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, in a prepared statement. “Daniel’s experience and leadership will further unite our tourism community and elevate our destination, strengthening San Diego’s position as a world-class destination.”
Kuperschmid spent decades of his career with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, beginning as sales manager for Hyatt Regency New Orleans in Louisiana, and progressively taking on sales and marketing roles across various U.S. markets, holding general manager positions at Hyatt properties in Arizona, New Mexico, and California. Between 2018 and 2024, he led the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego as both area vice president and general manager, managing eight hotels in Southern California, which included Hyatt Regency locations in Mission Bay and La Jolla, as well as Andaz San Diego.
“After 30 years with Hyatt, I am incredibly grateful for the experiences and relationships that shaped my career in hospitality and tourism,” Kuperschmid says. “Hyatt taught me the power of exceptional service, collaboration and innovation—values I look forward to continuing at the San Diego Tourism Authority. 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.” He also 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.
Kuperschmid will assume his role on March 24.
