Hornby joined the official visitor organisation in 2003, after spending twelve years in the hotels sector.
He told Event he would be freelancing for a short while while he waits for opportunities to arrive, but that he was already speaking to "four or five" businesses. He left on Friday (15 May), to work on the AEG project which will see Hornby advise on future O2 events.
His achievements over the past six years have included re-launching London's Covention Bureau and forming the capital's first ever major events team, which has gone on to win events such as the NFL, UEFA Champions League Final 2011 and the London Restaurant Festival.
"After six years with the Visit London, David Hornby has made the decision to leave Visit London to focus on new challenges and opportunities," said Visit London's interim CEO Sally Chatterjee.
Hornby said: "The role at Visit London has afforded me much professional success and gratifying achievement and has provided me with varied, exciting and broad experiences, such as an amazing involvement with the London 2012 Bid and the opportunity to build and work with an amazing team. Now is an appropriate time for me to focus on some new challenges and opportunities.
"It is, and will be, an exciting time for Visit London and with the foundations laid for continued achievement, I am very proud to have been part of a team that has inspired change and development for Visit London and for the City. I would also like to acknowledge Visit London’s Partners and the numerous industry stakeholders and colleagues for your collaboration and support.
David Campbell, president and CEO at AEG Europe said, "I am delighted to have David working with the team, providing strategic advice to AEG Europe on the future development of The O2's hotel and event facilities. The O2, as the most successful music venue in the world, has had a great opening two years but these developments are an important part of the future and an even broader product offer."
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