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Former Haven boss takes helm at Park Leisure

A former joint managing director at Bourne Leisure for Haven has joined Park Leisure as chief executive.

Mark Harper was most recently chief operating officer at Parkdean Resorts.

York-based Park Leisure operates 12 holiday parks, with locations in Cornwall, Wales, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Herefordshire and Northumberland.

The business recently expanded with the introduction of a holiday offering to complement caravan ownership due to demand from the growing UK staycation market.

Holidays are available in caravans, lodges, glamping pods and safari tents.

Harper succeeds outgoing chief executive and company co-founder Miles Dewhurst, who stepped down in February following 20 years in charge, but will remain as an active investor in the business.

Harper said: “This is an exciting time to be part of a growing business.

“As a brand, we offer a real antidote to the intensity of many of our competitors – a more personalised experience with all practicalities taken care of.

“I have been hugely impressed with the standards on the parks.  I am enthused by the clear goals that our general managers and our park teams have and I can see that there are lots of opportunities for 2019.

“My job now is to make sure these teams have the right support to achieve these goals.”

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