PGAV Destinations Expands Leadership Team Hiring Karen Baker
New Senior Director of Branding and Marketing to Guide New Initiatives
(St. Louis, MO – March 22, 2016) – The global planning and design firm PGAV Destinations announced that Karen Baker has been hired as Senior Director of Branding and Marketing for the rapidly growing PGAV Destinations team.
In this new role, Baker will oversee branding and marketing initiatives for PGAV Destinations as they progress through an exciting year with more than $1.2 billion in projects underway.
“We are excited to have Karen join our leadership team. She is a proven strategic marketer in the tourism industry who excels at communicating the voice of brands,” said Mike Konzen, Principal and Chair of PGAV. “Karen will focus on developing strategic marketing plans and setting and executing the key direction of the brand across all of our sectors – which is essential as we continue to grow our business globally.”
Baker was most recently Senior Director of Marketing for several iconic Chattanooga, Tennessee tourism brands, including See Rock City, Ruby Falls, and Lookout Mountain Attractions, along with their special event and consumer brands. She is a past president of the American Advertising Federation of Chattanooga and served on the Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association board. Baker is an award-winning writer and producer whose career includes leadership roles in creative, brand, media, and marketing strategy.
“The momentum of PGAV Destinations over the past 50 years is impressive,” says Baker. “This role combines leadership, strategy, and creative development in a business that shapes how people across the world enjoy leisure time. I believe in the power of discovery (whether in your own back yard or across the globe) to delight, encourage fresh perspective, and create moments that are treasured. I’m thrilled to be joining PGAV and to become part of the local community in St. Louis at such an exciting time.”
Formerly, Baker served marketing and PR roles for Creative Resources, Propex (SI Corporation), and WRCB-TV in Chattanooga, TN. Baker has B.A. degrees in communication and Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
About PGAV Destinations
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now entering its sixth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal destination-consulting partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.
PGAV’s key clients include industry leaders such as Delaware North Companies, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, the Saint Louis Zoo, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, Space Shuttle Atlantis, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks. www.PGAVDestinations.com
