Invest WindsorEssex names Gordon Orr as CEO, serving dual roles

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island CEO Gordon Orr shows the new visitor guide in Windsor, Ont., on Thursday, April 27, 2023. (Melanie Borrelli/CTV News Windsor)

Invest WindsorEssex has named Gorden Orr as its Chief Executive Officer. Orr currently serves as the CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) and will continue in a dual role for both organizations.

Orr’s new dual role goes into effect July 2.

“I am grateful for this career opportunity, and I think 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,” said Orr.

“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.”

Senior leaders on the teams include Jason Toner, vice-president of marketing and communications at TWEPI and Joe Goncalves, vice-president of investment attraction and strategic initiatives at Invest WindsorEssex.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors for Invest WindsorEssex, I am pleased to welcome Gordon Orr as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens, who also serves as the chair of the Board of Directors for Invest WindsorEssex.

“For over three decades, Gordon’s leadership, vision, commitment, and follow-through has helped to grow and sustain a thriving tourism and hospitality sector in our region, with significant positive spinoffs for economic development. Now, as Windsor-Essex is identified as one of the fastest growing communities to watch in Ontario and Canada, it is more important than ever to have strong and dedicated leadership to attract new investments and businesses, along with the residents and visitors needed to sustain the upward growth trajectory in our region.”

Orr took on the role as TWEPI CEO in September 2011.