First Chief Executive for Marketing Lancashire

Marketing Lancashire, the organisation created to promote the county as a great place to visit, work and invest, has announced the appointment of its first Chief Executive.

Ruth Connor, previously Managing Director of Shearings Holidays, is taking up the key role this month. She will work alongside Paul Heathcote, recently appointed as Chairman, to spearhead Marketing Lancashire's work to support the visitor economy and attract investment to the county. 

Ruth said: "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Marketing Lancashire and look forward to working with colleagues and businesses, both within and outside the county, to make it a success.

"Lancashire is a fantastic place with a huge amount to offer visitors and investors, but it doesn't always get the recognition it deserves. 

"Marketing Lancashire is a new organisation with the task of harnessing that potential and I'm confident we will make a very positive impact over the years to come."

Marketing Lancashire was created in April 2012, with principal funding from Lancashire County Council worth around £500,000 together with additional support from the public and private sector.
The new organisation succeeds Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, which was backed by the former North West Development Agency.

County Councillor Michael Green, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Environment and Planning, explained: "The county council has invested in Marketing Lancashire because we believe it can play an important part in the county's future economic success. 

"If Lancashire is confident and effective in the way it defines and promotes itself to visitors and potential investors, the benefits for local businesses, their employees and communities will be considerable.

"Ruth's combination of skills and experience made her an outstanding candidate for the role and I'm delighted she has come to Lancashire."

Prior to her role at Shearings Holidays, Ruth was a director of Gold Medal Travel Group, where she was influential in a successful turnaround of the business that led to a takeover by Thomas Cook.

Previously she held various positions at Rank Group and Bourne Leisure, the latter including a spell as Sales and Marketing Director of Butlins.  Originally born in Bolton, Ruth is married and has two young children. 

Although Lancashire County Council is its main funder, Marketing Lancashire is also supported by other local councils across the county and raises a significant amount of its budget through commercial partnerships.

ENDS

For more information contact Anna Izza, Communications Manager Tel:01772 426459

*Image – LtoR  Paul Heathcote (Chairman) Ruth Connor (Chief Executive) Lancashire County Cllr Jim Lawrenson, Lancashire County Cllr Michael Green.