Diplomat Dame Judith Macgregor has been appointed as interim chair of the British Tourist Authority (BTA).
She succeeds Lord McLoughlin who has stepped down because of a potential conflict of interest with his new role of chairman for Airlines UK.
The interim role will run until the end of April 2022 or when a permanent chair is appointed for the BTA – which runs VisitBritain and VisitEngland.
Sally Balcombe, VisitBritain/VisitEngland chief executive, said: “Dame Judith Macgregor has been an invaluable member of the BTA board since 2017.
“She chairs our Remuneration & People Performance Committee which has recently led the development of a new People Strategy.
“She has also played a pivotal role in steering the organisation through the Covid-19 pandemic, helping us to adjust our strategy and develop our current focus to drive immediate tourism recovery by building back visitor spend as quickly as possible and supporting the industry.”
Balcombe added: “Dame Judith also brings a wealth of experience working across Whitehall and internationally with an illustrious diplomatic career spanning some 40 years, including serving as ambassador to Slovakia, and ambassador to Mexico.
“During her postings in Mexico and South Africa she led government efforts to increase bilateral trade and investment as well as to boost tourism to the UK, working closely alongside VisitBritain.
“Alongside Dame Judith’s extensive international trade experience, she also brings an in-depth understanding of tourism’s importance in influencing our brand abroad and in building people-to-people connections that contribute to our wider soft power image, and in promoting Global Britain.”
She also thanked Lord McLoughlin for his support, adding: “He has steered us through throughout the pandemic, overseeing our priorities and longer-term strategy to support the industry. We wish Patrick all the best in his new role with Airlines UK, where his transport expertise will continue to support the sector’s recovery.”