The Pacific Asia Travel Association has chosen Shanghai-based Brian Deeson as the new chairman of the organization.

Deeson, who is CEO, Greater China and senior vice president, Asia Pacific for the Accor hotel group, told the group's Annual General Meeting in Vancouver that global warming and human resource shortages were the two biggest challenges facing the industry. Deeson said he supported the change agenda adopted by PATA under the leadership of president and CEO Peter de Jong.

Prior to moving to Shanghai, Deeson was senior vice president, Asia Pacific for Accor focusing on strategic development in South and South East Asia. He has over 30 years experience in the hospitality industry, starting with Hilton International in London, Hong Kong and Bangkok, before joining Hyatt International in 1971. After assisting in Hyatt's major expansion in Asia, he moved to Hyatt International’s headquarters in Chicago as vice president sales and marketing in 1979. In the 1970s, he was also the founding chairman of the Sydney Convention and Visitors' Bureau. In 1982, he became Hyatt International’s area director for Thailand, India and Malaysia, and, in 1985, become Hyatt’s area director of the Middle East and North Africa.