World Trade Centers Association Appoints Annette Gregg as First Female CEO in 57-Year History

Global association executive selected to lead WTCA into its next chapter, strengthening Member value and connections across its network across nearly 100 countries and territories

NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2026 /CNW/ -- World Trade Centers Association^® (WTCA^®) -- an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center^® (WTC^®) locations across nearly 100 countries and territories -- today announced the appointment of Annette Gregg as its first female Chief Executive Officer in the Association's 57-year history.

WTCA announced the appointment of Annette Gregg as its first female CEO in the Association’s 57-year history.

Gregg joins WTCA as the Association enters a new chapter, following the recent return of its global headquarters to the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan after 25 years, signaling an exciting new chapter for the organization, and further advancing its mission of "Connecting Businesses, Globally." As CEO, Gregg will provide strategic leadership to WTCA and its global staff, working closely with the Board of Directors and Members to advance the Association's strategic and business priorities. She will also serve as a leading public voice for WTCA, focused on strengthening engagement across its Membership, expanding the global network and creating new opportunities for Members to connect businesses, markets and communities through international trade and investment.

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

Gregg brings more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning global associations, private enterprise and the international business events and hospitality sectors. Most recently, she served as CEO of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), where she led a global association of approximately 3,700 members and 27 chapters. Under her leadership, SITE increased topline revenue by 160% in three years through diversified revenue streams while expanding membership by more than 70%. She was also recently named the 2026 Marin Bright Legacy Award Recipient for her work with SITE, and her leadership in meetings and events, and was awarded at the 2026 Smart Women in Meetings Awards Gala.

Previously, Gregg served as Chief Revenue Officer for Meeting Professionals International (MPI), where she was responsible for approximately 70% of the organization's revenue and helped expand global product distribution across Europe, Asia and Latin America. Her career has consistently centered on building international communities, strengthening stakeholder engagement and translating the reach of global networks into tangible value for their members.

"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. "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."

Gregg's appointment comes as businesses are navigating an increasingly complex global environment, making trusted relationships, market intelligence and direct connections across borders increasingly important. Through its network, events and programming, WTCA brings together business leaders, economic development organizations and WTC businesses to exchange market intelligence, develop cross-border relationships and identify opportunities for trade and investment.

She assumes her CEO responsibilities effective October 5 and will lead WTCA from its recently established global headquarters at One World Trade Center in New York City, working alongside the Association's headquarters and regional teams serving Members around the world.

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
Chanelle Dimalanta
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected] 

Violet PR
Christina Forrest
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)
World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries and territories. As the owner of the "World Trade Center" and "WTC" trademarks, WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for members to use in conjunction with their independently owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its members, the goal of WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe, creating an ecosystem built around commerce, community and connection. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.

SOURCE World Trade Centers Association