Hilina D. Ajakaiye

Chief Strategy Officer, National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP) | Destination Marketing & Economic Development Leader

Hilina D. Ajakaiye is respected globally as a visionary leader in destination marketing, tourism strategy, and economic development. With a proven track record of driving economic growth, fostering inclusive tourism, and leading transformational initiatives in the 3rd largest industry in the City of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Hilina is recognized for her strategic innovation, financial acumen, and community-driven leadership.

With nearly 20 years of experience in executive leadership, destination marketing, workforce development, and revenue generation, she has dramatically shaped the future of tourism in her market by leveraging strategic partnerships, superb community engagement, collaboration and data-driven marketing strategies to maximize impact and sustainability.

As Executive Vice President of Meet Boston (formerly the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau), Hilina plays a pivotal role in shaping Boston’s tourism industry, leading operations, marketing, human resources, financial planning, partnerships, and strategic growth. She has been at the forefront of Boston’s post-pandemic tourism recovery, implementing high-impact strategies that have positioned the city as a global destination -whether it be the Seaport or within each 23 unique neighborhoods, World Class Restaurants and Hotels.

Collaborated with key stakeholders across business, government, and community organizations to drive sustainable tourism growth and economic impact, contributing to over $22 billion in state revenue.
Led the transition from a membership model to a partnership model, increasing inclusivity and boosting revenue by 25%.
Founded The Meet Boston Foundation to enhance community engagement, increase accessibility, and elevate the visitor experience through cultural tourism.
Launched TheBOS, Boston’s first mobile visitor information center, which generated significant new revenue in its first year.
Implemented workforce development and DEI programs to increase representation of people of color in leadership roles in the hospitality industry.
Spearheaded the “All Inclusive Boston” campaign, an award-winning initiative that reshaped the city’s tourism brand, leading to a 400% increase in web traffic and 1.1 million social media impressions
Optimized financial operations, identifying $1.2 million in cost savings and efficiency while driving revenue growth across marketing and visitor engagement programs.

Hilina’s leadership has redefined Boston’s approach to destination marketing, ensuring that it is innovative and economically impactful while bringing a wealth of new partnerships with her knack for connection and emotional intelligence.

Senior Leadership, Ahold Delhaize (2005–2020)

Before transitioning to the tourism and hospitality sector, Hilina spent over 15 years at Ahold Delhaize, an international grocery retail leader. As a high-level executive overseeing 3,600+ employees across 24 stores with an $805 million annual budget, she managed P&L, workforce development, financial planning, operations, and customer engagement strategies. Her leadership at Ahold Delhaize was instrumental in:

Optimizing financial operations, delivering multimillion-dollar cost savings while maintaining high performance.
Expanding business growth and retail strategy, implementing workforce transformation programs that enhanced productivity and service.
Developing and executing inclusive hiring and supplier diversity strategies, ensuring greater representation in leadership roles.
Forging strong partnerships with labor unions, vendors, and key stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency.

Her tenure at Ahold Delhaize solidified her expertise in business management, strategic planning, financial oversight, and workforce leadership, positioning her as an industry leader with a deep understanding of economic drivers and operational excellence.

Hilina is a champion for economic development, workforce transformation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She actively serves on numerous influential boards, leveraging her expertise to advance equity, tourism, and business growth. She currently serves as:

Board Member, Centreville Bank
Board Member, Moses Brown School
Advisor, The New Commonwealth Fund
Co-Chair, EDI Committee, Destinations International
Board Member, Woodward School for Girls
Board Member, Progreso Latino
Chair, The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy
Board Member, BECMA
Board Member, Boston Arts Academy Foundation

In addition to her board leadership, Hilina is the Founder of the R.I.S.E. Women’s Leadership Conference, a platform dedicated to empowering women in business and leadership. For her efforts, she was named “Rhode Islander of the Year” by Rhode Island Monthly in 2019.Hilina’s impactful leadership and advocacy have earned her numerous awards, including:

RI Monthly Rhode Islander of The Year
Providence Business News 40 Under 40
Induction into the Big Brothers Big Sisters “People We Admire” Program
The Most Impactful Black Women in Boston Award
The Ad Club’s Women We Admire Award
Progressive Grocer’s “Top Women in Grocery” Award
NPG Impact Award for Leadership & Community Engagement (2024)

Her commitment to advancing tourism, workforce development, and business growth has made her a widely respected leader in industry both regionally and globally.

Hilina holds:

MBA in International Marketing Management, Northeastern University
BA in English & Communications, University of Massachusetts
Associate’s degree From Quinsigamond Community College (Earned at age 15 and simultaneously with her last 2-years of high school).
Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), Destinations International
Human Rights Training Certification, reinforcing her commitment to ethical leadership and global human rights advocacy
Cornell University Food Executive Program Graduate

She is a sought-after speaker, strategist, and industry thought leader, frequently presenting national conferences on destination marketing, inclusive economic growth, and leadership development.

Personal Life & Philosophy

A first-generation Ethiopian immigrant, Hilina immigrated to the U.S. in 1987. Her journey of resilience, innovation, and leadership has made her a powerful advocate for access, and opportunity in tourism and business.

She is passionate about travel, believing it breaks down barriers and fosters global citizenship. She enjoys traveling with her husband and two children and actively supports community-driven initiatives such as:

Boston NBC and Telemundo Community Council
Boston Arts Academy Foundation
Save the Harbor, Save the Bay

Her leadership philosophy is rooted in innovation, collaboration, and creating economic opportunities that benefit both businesses and communities.

Hilina D. Ajakaiye is a proven leader, a change agent, and champion for economic growth. Whether through her work in destination marketing, workforce development, financial strategy, or community leadership, she remains dedicated to creating lasting impact and driving sustainable tourism growth.

Her ability to blend strategic vision with actionable results has positioned her as one of the most influential and respected leaders in the tourism and hospitality industry today.