VisitEngland chairman named – UPDATED
Lady Cobham, deputy chairman of VisitBritain, will lead the new strategic body which will come into operation from April 1, 2009.
She chairs the British Casino Association as well as the Art Fund Prize for museums and galleries, and is a board member, trustee or consultant to a number of public bodies and private businesses.
Lady Cobham was appointed to the board of VisitBritain in 2003, and named as deputy chairman in 2005, from which she will stand down in order to take up the VisitEngland role.
VisitEngland has existed as an advisory board to the England marketing division within VisitBritain. Following consultation with the English tourism industry via the British Tourism Framework Review, the need for a separate and distinct body for tourism within England was identified.
The senior management team for the new body is now in place with Amanda Smith as head of marketing, Jenny McGee as head of strategy and engagement and Jeremy Brinkworth as head of industry services
VisitBritain chairman Christopher Rodrigues, said: “The appointment of Lady Cobham is the first step on the road to establishing VisitEngland as a stand-alone, strategic leadership body, which can begin to truly represent English Tourism’s public and private sector stakeholders.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to Chair VisitEngland and it is hoped that a chief executive will be announced soon."
“The launch of the new VisitEngland, building on this experience, marks the start of an exciting era for English tourism and brings with it a wealth of opportunities. I have no doubt that Lady Cobham’s vision and leadership will drive forward English tourism to a prosperous future.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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