The Hawaii Tourism Authority officially selected George Szigeti as its new president and CEO on Tuesday.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported on May 6 that Szigeti would be the choice.

Szigeti has been CEO of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association since 2012 and was previously CEO of Better Brands Ltd., a wholesaler and distributor of beer, wine and spirits, from 1997 to 2012. He is a past president of the Hawaii Food Industry Association and has served as a board member of the Hawaii Restaurant Association.

“Following a thorough and extensive search by the HTA’s CEO Investigative Search Committee, we are pleased that George has accepted the challenge to serve as the next president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority” said Aaron Sala, HTA board chairman, in a news release. “George’s experience in and understanding of the visitor industry, and his extensive business background, all make for an ideal candidate to lead the HTA and ensure a sustainable future for our visitor industry moving forward.”

Szigeti was selected from a pool of about 23 candidates worldwide.