VisitBritain chief executive departs for charity role

by Alex Brownsell, Marketing 06-Nov-08, 12:07

LONDON - Tom Wright is stepping down as chief executive of tourism agency VisitBritain after a spell of six years in the job.

He is to head up a new charitable group formed from a merger of Age Concern England and Help the Aged. Wright is expected to take up his position early next year, to allow the tourist group time to find a replacement.

Wright is the latest high-profile departure from a domestic tourism agency, following the exit of Visit London's James Bidwell, who quit after three years in the job.

Wright's decision to stand down comes after an announcement that the job of marketing for England will go to a new agency, VisitEngland. Once the split with VisitBritain is complete in April next year, VisitEngland will operate with its own CEO and marketing budget.

Last month VisitBritain promoted Patricia Yates to the position of director of strategy and insights.