Following a recent recruitment drive to appoint new board members, the Visit Northumberland board were impressed by the number and standard of applicants and, as a result, four new board members and three strategic advisors have been appointed.
The existing board of Visit Northumberland was looking to appoint individuals who have a connection to tourism and the visitor economy.
Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland, said, “The quality of applicants was exceptionally high. We now find ourselves in an extremely strong position having added new skills to an established and successful board. We look forward to working with the new board members, to continue to see Northumberland’s tourism industry going from strength to strength."
Welcomed as board members are:
- Adam Chaffer, Associate at Hay & Kilner LLP, bringing a breadth of commercial experience and knowledge of business law and dispute resolution. Adam is passionate about the countryside and has an understanding of the challenges tourism faces. Adam has been appointed as Company Secretary.
- Robert Stewart, Faculty Director at Northumberland College, offering a strong history and breadth of experience in hospitality and tourism. Robert has been appointed to advise on the destination’s skills and people agenda.
- Simon Coxon, owner of two holiday cottages in the North Tyne Valley and a volunteer at Bellingham Heritage Centre joins following a successful business career as managing partner in the recruitment industry. Simon is keen to further develop the tourist economy in Northumberland.
- Sonya Galloway, Communications Manager at The Vindolanda Charitable Trust. Sonya strongly believes that ‘there is strength in numbers’ and understands the importance of actively engaging with tourism partners for the benefit of the county. Sonya also takes responsibility as Chair of the Northumberland Destination Management Plan Board.
Welcomed as strategic advisors to the Board are:
- Simon Phillips, owner of a small Northumberland business offering self-catering and a wide range of craft courses. Simon is keen to help grow awareness of Northumberland and show people how they can enjoy our wonderful landscapes.
- Rob Aubrook, a leisure consultant who is already very actively involved in Northumberland’s tourism industry taking a proactive role on Northumberland’s cycling and walking board. Rob assumes additional responsibility for the product development priority for the Northumberland Destination Management Plan.
- Tony Regan joins as a strategic advisor to the Northumberland Destination Management Plan Board and has a strong background in strategic planning with a solid understanding of government through his previous roles as a civil servant.
The new board members will meet quarterly to ensure the board has the capacity and skills to deliver the aspirations of Visit Northumberland and support the Northumberland Destination Management Plan.
