The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau has appointed Cleo Battle as executive vice president. He replaces Karen Williams who retired from the position after 22 years of service. Battle’s responsibilities include developing relationships with clients in Washington and Chicago, representing the Louisville Bureau at industry tradeshows and conferences and providing strategic leadership and oversight of the Bureau in all aspects of its fiscal and daily operation.

Battle has worked in the hospitality industry for 27 years. Prior to coming to the Louisville Bureau, Battle spent the last 12 years as vice president of Sales & Services for the Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau in Richmond, VA. He also held the positions of director of Sales and sales manager at the Richmond CVB. Battle began his hospitality career in the hotel industry working for Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn and Sheraton Hotels.

Battle is a native of Denver. He is a graduate of Metropolitan State College with a BA degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management. He earned his Master’s of Business Administration in 1997 from Averett College in Virginia. He is both a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) and Certified Association Sales Executive (CASE). Battle is married with two adult sons. The appointment was effective Jan. 14, 2013.