THE man at the top of Cumbria's tourism body is to step down after 11 years in the role.

Ian Stephens is leaving his job as managing director of Staveley-based Cumbria Tourism (CT), which is responsible for the county's £2.6 billion industry.

Mr Stephens, 57, said: “It has been an honour and privilege to work in one of the most exciting and dynamic sectors in UK’s economy. I have loved working for Cumbria Tourism and with exceptional people through major changes.

"It’s a challenging role and now is the time to hand the reins to someone who can take the organisation through the next phase of its development. I’m not planning to retire and am looking forward to pursuing a number of projects in due course.

“I think it’s a good thing for CT and chance for a fresh start with a new constitution and new leadership. CT is in good shape and in the strongest position it’s been for many years, with great potential to grow. So, in the short term, it is my priority to see through a smooth handover with minimum disruption. “

Mr Stephens became chief executive of CT in 2005 following on from Chris Collier OBE.

He was formerly CT’s deputy chief executive and operations director. He has worked in the tourism and leisure sector for 28 years in a number of operational and leadership roles.

He joined the executive board of Cumbria Tourism in 2002 and is believed to be the organisation’s longest ever serving executive director.

Born in Carmarthenshire, West Wales, he trained and qualified as a chartered town planner and worked for the Sports Council before moving into marketing with a leading London based agency.

He is a fellow of the Tourism Society, a Trustee of Nurture Lakeland, a Director of FairBooking UK and Welcome to Excellence Ltd.

His career has involved a range of roles in market research, tourism policy, strategic marketing and campaign planning.

Since joining CT, he played a pivotal role in various marketing campaigns such as the Place to Be, Taste Cumbria and Adventure Capital campaigns and in crisis management following the foot and mouth outbreak and last winter's floods.