By Blossom Ukoha
“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. 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.”— Annette Gregg, Chief Executive Officer, WTCA
Annette Gregg’s statement captures the priorities she brings to her historic appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). Having assumed the role on 5 October 2026, Gregg became the first woman to lead the international organisation in its 57-year history. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in women’s representation within global trade leadership, placing a woman at the helm of a network dedicated to connecting businesses, markets and economies across borders.
Gregg’s achievement is not simply about breaking a gender barrier. It also reflects a career built on international business development, stakeholder engagement, revenue growth and the creation of professional communities. Her leadership brings these experiences to an organisation seeking to strengthen its global network and expand the value it delivers to members.
Leading a Global Network
Founded in 1969, the World Trade Centers Association connects more than 300 World Trade Center locations across nearly 100 countries and territories. Its network supports international trade and investment, helps businesses access global markets and promotes regional economic development. Member facilities include offices, exhibition spaces, conference centres, hotels and venues that facilitate commercial relationships.
As CEO, Gregg is responsible for providing strategic direction, working with the Board of Directors and members, strengthening engagement across the network and identifying opportunities to expand the association’s global reach. Her role also involves representing WTCA publicly and helping businesses and communities use international connections to pursue trade and investment opportunities.
Gregg leads the association from its global headquarters at One World Trade Center in New York City. The return to the World Trade Center site carries historical significance: the organisation was previously headquartered in the original North Tower before relocating following the September 2001 attacks. Its return creates a symbolic connection between WTCA’s history and its ambitions for the future.
WTCA Board Chair John E. Drew highlighted Gregg’s combination of strategic vision, financial acumen and global stakeholder engagement as important strengths for the association’s next phase of development.
A Career Built on Growth and Global Connections
Gregg brings more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning international associations, private enterprise, business events and hospitality. Before joining WTCA, she served as CEO of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), a global association serving professionals in incentive travel.
During her tenure, SITE recorded its largest membership in its 53-year history, alongside record-breaking event attendance and its highest gross and net revenue levels. The organisation’s top-line revenue increased by 160 per cent over three years, while membership grew by more than 70 per cent.
These results were associated with efforts to diversify revenue, develop new member communities, expand the association’s presence in markets including Latin America and Europe, and introduce initiatives such as the C-Suite Agency Summit, consulting services and specialised certification programmes.
Her experience at SITE demonstrates the importance of translating a professional network into tangible value for its members. Membership growth can expand an organisation’s reach, but sustained progress also depends on creating services, relationships and opportunities that encourage members to participate and remain engaged.
From Professional Associations to International Trade
Before leading SITE, Gregg held senior positions at Meeting Professionals International (MPI), including revenue and experience-related leadership roles. Her responsibilities included a substantial share of the organisation’s revenue and expanding the distribution of its products across Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Her broader career has included work with destination management company PRA, LPL Financial and the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. She has also contributed to professional education as a programme adviser and instructor in meeting and event planning at San Diego State University.
This varied experience gives context to her transition into WTCA. Although the association operates within international trade rather than solely within the meetings and incentives industry, both fields depend on building relationships, facilitating connections and developing services that respond to the needs of diverse stakeholders.
Gregg has also been recognised for her contributions to the industry, including receiving the 2026 Marin Bright Legacy Award and recognition at the 2026 Smart Women in Meetings Awards Gala. Earlier honours include the Association of Women in Events’ 2018 Coach Award and San Diego Planner of the Year from MPI.
What Her Appointment Means for Women in Leadership
Gregg’s appointment provides an opportunity to examine how women progress into executive positions within international organisations. Her career illustrates the value of combining commercial understanding with relationship management, strategic planning and experience across different sectors.
Women’s representation in leadership is important, but representation alone does not guarantee institutional change. The significance of a historic appointment also depends on the authority entrusted to the leader, the opportunities available to other women and the organisation’s willingness to recognise leadership talent without gender-based assumptions.
Gregg’s position places her at the centre of an international network whose activities connect businesses and communities across national borders. Her leadership will therefore be relevant not only to women in associations and business events but also to women working in trade, investment, entrepreneurship and economic development.
For women seeking executive careers, her journey offers a reminder that leadership pathways can extend across industries. Experience gained in revenue generation, professional education, member engagement and business development can provide a foundation for taking on responsibilities in new sectors.
Encourage the Next Generation of Women Leaders
Annette Gregg’s achievement should encourage women to develop their expertise, pursue opportunities beyond familiar professional boundaries and prepare themselves for leadership responsibilities. Women aspiring to executive positions can learn from careers that combine commercial knowledge, strategic thinking and the ability to build lasting professional relationships.
Organisations also have a responsibility to identify and support women with the experience and potential to lead. Mentorship, sponsorship, fair access to senior assignments and transparent promotion processes can help ensure that more women have opportunities to influence decisions and shape international institutions.
Share Gregg’s story with a woman aspiring to leadership and encourage her to see her experience, ambition and professional development as foundations for future opportunities.
A New Chapter for WTCA
Amazons Watch Magazine congratulates Annette Gregg on becoming the first woman to serve as CEO of the World Trade Centers Association in its 57-year history. Her appointment marks an important moment for women’s representation in global business leadership and recognises a career spanning international associations, commercial strategy and professional development.
As she begins leading WTCA from One World Trade Center, her task will be to strengthen the association’s network, deepen member engagement and support opportunities for international trade and investment. The long-term significance of her tenure will be reflected in the organisation’s progress and the value it creates for its global community.
Her achievement also reinforces a message for aspiring women leaders: professional boundaries can be crossed, new opportunities can be pursued, and leadership can be built through experience, preparation and sustained commitment. When women gain access to the highest levels of leadership, they expand the possibilities for those who follow.
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