CUMBRIA Tourism has confirmed the appointment of its new managing director.

Tom Newbould, who will take the helm this July from Ian Stephens, is an experienced marketing professional and has wide-ranging experience of leadership, management and delivery in a variety of public and private sector posts at Director and Board level.

His recent career has been in senior roles in the consumer finance sector. His other previous roles include Director of Marketing and Communications at not-for-profit education and training group, NCG and European Digital Marketing Director for Attends Healthcare Group, as well as positions at the BBC and PwC.

Tom, who has lived with his family in the Eden Valley for a number of years, is a governor at Asby Endowed School, Great Asby.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be taking the helm at one of the UK’s leading destination marketing organisations. I live in Cumbria and have a family history in the area, as well as a love of the beauty and unique character of the region. Working together with tourism businesses, partners and the entire team at Cumbria Tourism, I’m looking forward to helping this truly world-class destination lead the way on the national and international stage, and derive maximum benefit from some of the exciting new opportunities for the county.”