Marketing Cheshire adds to board level expertise

Marketing Cheshire has strengthened its strategic team with the appointment of four new board members.

The organisation, which represents more than 300 tourism and hospitality businesses across Chester, Cheshire and Warrington, promotes the region as a place to visit, live and invest.

The new board members are all senior professionals and will work alongside chair Trevor Brocklebank and directing Marketing Cheshire’s activity.

They include Jamie Christon, CEO of Chester Zoo and Peter Mearns, Chairman of Storyhouse Chester, who has a significant track record as a consultant in the arts. Rob McKay, Managing Director of Sherrington Associates, is a vastly experienced director and executive coach. The quartet is completed by Tracey O’Keefe, a consultant for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations and former Chair of East Cheshire Hospice Board

Jamie Christon, Chief Executive at Chester Zoo and Chair of Destination Chester, said: “I welcome the opportunity to support Marketing Cheshire by joining the board at a pivotal time for the region’s tourism sector.

“Chester Zoo has always worked very closely with Marketing Cheshire and, through their network, we’ve been able to tap into a wide audience and welcome new visitors. Throughout the pandemic, we’ve all come to appreciate what’s on our doorstep much more, so we should all feel proud to promote Cheshire and Warrington as a fantastic place for visitors to discover and a place for local communities to thoroughly enjoy.”

Tracey O’Keefe, added: “As a long-term supporter of social business, I’m keen to ensure we recognise the value of partnerships between the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in our sub-region.

“I’m pleased to be able to offer the perspective of these sectors and work with the board to develop the place marketing of Cheshire and Warrington.”

Marketing Cheshire is part of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, working with the three local authorities and local businesses to champion all that the region has to offer.

Trevor Brocklebank, Chair of Marketing Cheshire and Deputy Chair of Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said: “We have a crucial role to play in 2021 to help the tourism, retail and hospitality sector reopen and recover from the impact of Covid-19. 

“At the same time, we have a huge role to play in positioning Cheshire and Warrington as a great place to live and work. I’m excited to welcome Jamie, Peter, Rob, and Tracey and know they will be a tremendous asset in helping us achieve our goals.”