Lord Marshall of Knightsbridge is stepping down as Chairman of VisitBritain at the end of June 2006.
He was appointed Chairman-designate in September 2004 and took up the chair in January 2005.

Lord Marshall cited the increasing commitments of his other chairmanships as the reason for his early departure from the post. These include Chairman of Nomura International plc, Chairman of Pirelli UK plc and Chairman of the Board of Governors of Birkbeck College - University of London.

‘Tourism is a vital and growing aspect of Britain’s economy and I am very glad to have worked with VisitBritain in this recent period, strengthening our international presence and effectiveness and building on the importance of the visitor economy,’ said Lord Marshall.

‘The industry deserves the best we can provide for it and I have now reached the point where the competing commitments on my time make it sensible for me to pass the VisitBritain baton to another Chairman later this year.

‘I am sure he or she will enjoy as much as I have done working with Tom Wright and his outstanding team and with colleagues throughout Britain and the world. Until the end of June VisitBritain and the industry has my full commitment and I see it as business as usual.’

Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said of Lord Marshall’s step down, ‘Colin Marshall has brought the finest leadership and energy to VisitBritain during a period when it has continued to strengthen and expand it’s presence in world and domestic tourism markets, winning international recognition for its quality and innovation.

‘We have been lucky to have Colin’s unmatched authority and experience and I am determined to ensure that when he steps down later in the year he will hand over to another first-class Chairman for a world-class organisation.’

The post of Chairman of VisitBritain is a non-executive role and is appointed by the DCMS, who will be advertising the position in the near future.

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