The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), a global trade organization linking more than 300 World Trade Center (WTC) locations in nearly 100 countries and territories, has appointed Annette Gregg as its first female Chief Executive Officer in its 57-year history.
Gregg takes the helm as WTCA enters a new phase, following the recent relocation of its global headquarters to the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan after 25 years. The move marks a significant milestone for the organization as it continues to pursue its mission of “Connecting Businesses, Globally.”
In her new role, Gregg will oversee WTCA’s strategic direction and global staff, collaborating with the Board of Directors and Members to advance the Association’s business objectives and priorities. She will also represent WTCA publicly, focusing on deeper Member engagement, network expansion, and new opportunities to connect businesses, markets, and communities through international trade and investment.
“Annette brings the combination of strategic vision, financial acumen and global stakeholder engagement that WTCA needs as we look toward the future,” said John E. Drew, Chair of the WTCA Board of Directors. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated that she knows how to strengthen international organizations by listening to their Members, creating meaningful value and building connections across markets and cultures. With Annette stepping into this new role and WTCA recently establishing its headquarters at One World Trade Center, we are building on a strong legacy while positioning the Association for its next era of global growth and impact.”
Gregg brings more than three decades of leadership experience across international associations, private-sector businesses, and the global business events and hospitality industries. Before joining WTCA, she served as CEO of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), leading a worldwide organization with approximately 3,700 members and 27 chapters.
During her tenure at SITE, Gregg helped grow top-line revenue by 160% over three years by diversifying revenue sources, while membership increased by more than 70%. Her contributions to SITE and the meetings and events industry were also recognized through her selection as the 2026 Marin Bright Legacy Award recipient and her recognition at the 2026 Smart Women in Meetings Awards Gala.
Earlier in her career, Gregg served as Chief Revenue Officer at Meeting Professionals International (MPI). In that position, she oversaw approximately 70% of the organization’s revenue and contributed to expanding its product distribution across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Her career has consistently focused on developing international communities, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and turning the reach of global networks into practical benefits for members.
“WTCA has an extraordinary foundation — a trusted global brand and a network of Members with deep connections to businesses and communities across nearly 100 countries and territories,” said Annette Gregg, Chief Executive Officer, WTCA. “I see tremendous opportunity to build on that strength — listening to our Members, connecting ideas and opportunities across markets and finding new ways for this network to create meaningful business value. I’m honored to lead WTCA into this next chapter and excited to help strengthen the connections that make international business possible.”
Gregg officially assumed her CEO responsibilities on October 5 and is based at WTCA’s recently established global headquarters at One World Trade Center in New York City. She will work alongside headquarters personnel and regional teams supporting Members around the world.
Her appointment comes at a time when businesses are navigating an increasingly complex global landscape, making trusted relationships, market intelligence, and cross-border connections more important than ever. Through its international network, events, and programs, WTCA brings together business leaders, economic development organizations, and WTC-affiliated businesses to exchange market insights, build international relationships, and identify opportunities for trade and investment.
In the Philippines, World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) is part of the WTCA global network. It helps promote trade and enables Philippine businesses to engage with international markets through exhibitions, trade events, and business-matching activities.
