GORDON ORR ANNOUNCED AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF INVEST WINDSORESSEX
Gordon Orr will serve a dual role as CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and Invest WindsorEssex
On June 24, 2025 the board of directors for both Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and Invest WindsorEssex have announced the appointment of Gordon Orr, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island as Chief Executive Officer of Invest WindsorEssex effective Wednesday July 2, 2025.
The appointment as a dual CEO was unanimously approved by the board of directors for both organizations. Orr will act to provide excellent executive leadership to both regional entities, while leading a strong team with senior leaders Jason Toner, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and Joe Goncalves, Vice-President of Investment Attraction and Strategic Initiatives at Invest WindsorEssex.
This dual appointment will further deliver upon the mandates of these two strong award-winning organizations and reflects a growing collaboration between the organizations as we continue to build a unified vision for promoting economic development and tourism across the region. While this change marks a significant step forward, it is important to highlight that Orr will remain in his current role as CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee, while also taking on the executive leadership responsibilities of Invest WindsorEssex.
Gordon has held the role of CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee since September 2011, effectively streamlining the operation and turning the organization into an award-winning Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). Orr has been working in the tourism industry for over 30 years including roles as the Managing Director of Convention & Visitors Bureau of Windsor, Essex County & Pelee Island as well as roles in the industry as a hotelier. He was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario in 2023. In the tourism industry Gordon is a member of the DMO Council for Ontario’s Southwest as well as a member of Destination International’s Canadian Destination Leadership Council. In addition, Gordon is actively engaged with the community including current/past positions with the University of Windsor Alumni Association Board of Directors, University of Windsor Board of Governors, Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Maryvale Adolescent & Family Services Board of Directors, and the St. Clair College Public Relations Program Advisory Committee among others.
“I am grateful for this career opportunity, and I thank the Boards of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and Invest WindsorEssex for the trust they are placing in me to be the CEO of both organizations. I very much understand the meaningful roles both regional entities have in being economic generators and job creators. With a strong bench of senior leaders and equally talented staff at both organizations, I look forward to leading these teams for the betterment of the entire region.” – Gordon Orr, CEO Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, and CEO, Invest WindsorEssex
The Invest WindsorEssex Board of Directors extends thanks to Keith Andrews for stepping up to serve, and for his impactful work as Strategic Advisor and Chief Operating Officer for the organization over the last six months.
Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the regional tourism industry. They are a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting and selling Windsor, Essex and Pelee Island as a remarkable destination for tourist, convention goers and business travelers.
As the leading tourism industry collaborative, they are committed to enhancing the region’s economy and quality of life through supporting industry development and individual operators, actively facilitating partner engagement and effectively marketing our destination.
Invest WindsorEssex is a not-for-profit organization supported by the City of Windsor and County of Essex. They are responsible for advancing economic development to grow and sustain prosperity in the region.
As the lead economic development organization in the region, they provide confidential and expert assistance to companies and entrepreneurs in all sectors. Their focus is to develop and execute strategies to retain, expand, attract and help start up new businesses in the Windsor-Essex region.
