Rodrigues appointed new tourism boss

154/06

Christopher Rodrigues has been appointed as the new chair of the national tourism body, VisitBritain.

 

He will take up the post from 1 January 2007, when the current chair, Lord Colin Marshall of Knightsbridge, steps down after two years in the role.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell announced the appointment, saying:

“Christopher Rodrigues’ credentials are impeccable, with his impressive experience in both the tourism and financial sectors.

“Tourism’s already important contribution to the economy is set to rocket as we look to capitalise on the opportunities of hosting the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“I look forward to working with Christopher Rodrigues to make London 2012 the most successful Games for a host nation’s tourism industry in modern Olympic history.

“And I thank Lord Marshall for sharing his vision and expertise over the past two years. He leaves VisitBritain, and indeed the British tourism industry, in excellent shape with a record number of visitors in the last year, making us the envy of countries around the world.

“I wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Mr Rodrigues said:

"Tourism is an enormous player in the UK economy, employing 2.1 million people and worth over £74 billion a year. Within that, inbound tourism is one of our great success stories, with a record 30 million visitors last year spending £14.3 billion.

"I look forward to working with the VisitBritain management and board to develop a winning strategy for Britain in this truly entreprenurial sector of the UK economy."

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Notes to Editors

Biography

1. Christopher Rodrigues has been president and chief executive at Visa International from 2004-2006.  Between 1996 and 2004 he was group chief executive at Bradford and Bingley, leading the process towards its initial placement in 2000 and entry to the FTSE 100 list in 2002.  Between 1988 and 1996 he was chief operating officer and group chief executive at Thomas Cook.  Earlier in his career he was a manager at McKinsey and Co, before spending nine years with American Express. 

He was a founder non-executive director of the Financial Services Authority (1997-2003).  He has been an independent non-executive director at Ladbrokes plc (formerly Hilton Group plc) since 2003, is an executive committee member of the World Travel and Tourism Council and was a member of the Council and executive committee of the National Trust.

2. This appointment has been made in accordance with the rules set out by the Office for the Commissioner for Public Appointmentts. All appointments to VisitBritain are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if any declared) to be made public.  Christopher Rodrigues has declared no political activity in the last five years.

3. The term of appointment is four years, from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2010, working for six days per month.  Remuneration is currently £45,155 per annum. 

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Background

The main functions of VisitBritain are to:

  •  promote Britain to new and existing markets as a tourist and business destination, capitalising on opportunities such as the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, generating additional revenue throughout Britain and throughout the year;

 

  • grow the value of the domestic market in England by encouraging people in Britain to spend more on visits throughout the English regions, throughout the year;             

 

  • provide advice to government on matters affecting tourism to Great Britain and contribute to wider Government objectives and

 

  • build a stronger partnership across the public sector in England, and with the devolved administrations, local government, and national and regional tourist authorities.

Mr Rodrigues will have responsibilties to:

  • ensure VisitBritain capitalises on the opportunities presented in the run-up to London 2012 and beyond;

 

  • ensure VisitBritain works closely with VisitScotland and its counterparts in Wales and Northern Ireland in delivering the tourism benefits of 2012 across the UK;

 

  • champion Britain overseas as a visitor destination and support the effectiveness of VisitBritain’s network of nearly 40 overseas offices;

 

  • co-ordinate an extensive network of key stakeholders, particularly the national tourist boards and regional bodies, the devolved administrations, local government in England, tourism industry leaders and industry representative organisations and

 

  • provide effective leadership of the board and support to the chief executive.

Press Enquiries: 0207 211 6052/6277
Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751153
Public Enquiries: 0207 211 6200

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