New chairman for VisitEngland announced

Penelope, Viscountess Cobham has been appointed as the new chairman of the tourism body, VisitEngland. She will take up the four-year post from 1 April 2009 when the current chair, Hugh Taylor, steps down.

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.

‘With this appointment VisitEngland can take its place alongside the other national bodies and begin working in greater partnership with the regional development agencies, local authorities and the private sector to drive economic growth and excellence in English tourism.

‘I welcome Penny to her new position and VisitBritain’s directors and I look forward to working alongside her and the other national tourism bodies as we look to grow Britain’s visitor economy.’

Lady Cobham said, ‘There is a unanimous view across the sector that in a devolved environment, England should have a stand-alone strategic leadership body which truly represents the private and public stakeholders of English tourism to advance England’s products and services for both overseas and domestic visitors. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to chair VisitEngland and it is hoped that a chief executive will be announced soon.’

Lady Cobham previously served on the board of the English Tourist Board and was appointed to the Board of VisitBritain in 2003. She has been its deputy chairman since 2005 but will stand down to take up the VisitEngland role.

Find out more information on the VisitEngland Board and its role here.