VisitBritain makes senior management changes
National tourism agency VisitBritain has undergone a series of senior management changes as it prepares for cuts in government funding.
VisitBritain’s three-year funding agreement from government amounts to a £15.5 million reduction in grant for the years 2008/09 to 2010/11.
The tourism organisation, which has already made a series of job cuts, is reshuffling a number of key roles.
Keith Beecham, acting regional director for Europe, will return to the UK at the end of the year to be overseas network director.
Garry White, acting regional director for Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, will become regional director for Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa based in Singapore.
Alex Mawer will move to Hong Kong to head operations in North Asia including China, Japan and Korea.
The reshuffle follows the announcement earlier this month of Laurence Bresh, currently general manager for England marketing, moving to become regional director for Europe.
The changes come as part of proposals regarding the restructure of VisitBritain to support the conclusions of the British Tourism Framework Review, due to be published in October.
The restructure responds to the increased devolution of public sector responsibility for tourism to Scotland, Wales, London and the English regions over recent years as well as to the recent cut in Government funding for VisitBritain, a statement said.
Chief executive Tom Wright said the senior appointments “reflect our priorities as we reshape the organisation to ensure we continue to punch our weight in an increasingly competitive market and work in collaboration with all the nations and regions of Britainâ€.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026