Francois-Laurent Nivaud started to work for Massachusetts tourism industry as the new Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism as of April 2016.
With decades of private-sector experience in hospitality and tourism, Francois’ leadership skills and creative vision will help propel Massachusetts’ tourism industry as a significant economic engine for the Commonwealth.
A native of France, he was the Managing Director of the Boston Harbor Hotel from 1988-1999, helping to position it as an industry-leading hotel property. He founded the Boston Wine Festival, now in its 27th year, and the Boston Wine Expo, the first wine symposium in the Northeast.
Nivaud also served as the Dean of the Roger A. Saunders School of Business & Hospitality Management at Newbury College. He is a Director Emeritus of the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau and served on the Board of Director of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce from 1995-2013. He co-founded the Massachusetts Visitor Industry Council and created the Massachusetts Lodging Association.
Francois is married with three children and lives in Cohasset.
