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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
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