New leadership at VisitScotland
Announcement of new Chairman
2 March 2010
Scottish Government ministers have appointed Dr Michael Cantlay
as the new Chairman of VisitScotland.
Dr Cantlay, who has extensive tourism and retail sector
experience, succeeds Peter Lederer and has been tasked with leading
VisitScotland in delivering its vital contribution to towards the
shared industry ambition for tourism revenue growth, as set out in
the Tourism Framework for Change. Another key part of his role will
be to lead VisitScotland in working collaboratively to improve how
Scotland is promoted overseas.
Dr Cantlay’s appointment will be announced at the Scottish
Tourism Week Industry Dinner in Edinburgh. John Swinney, Cabinet
Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, said:
“Mike Cantlay has all the credentials to drive VisitScotland
forward and help support the Scottish tourism sector in making the
maximum possible contribution to driving economic recovery and, in
the longer term, improving the performance of our economy. I wish
him every success in his new role.”
Dr Cantlay said: “Selling Scotland and developing Scottish
tourism has dominated my working career. As such chairing
VisitScotland will be an enormous privilege. Post recession,
Scottish tourism faces a new, challenging environment. It will be
my objective to lead VisitScotland, our partners and the industry
to seize the ‘step change’ opportunities that will drive our
industry forward toward our ambitious targets.”
Philip Riddle, Chief Executive, VisitScotland said: “We are
delighted to welcome Mike Cantlay as the new Chairman of
VisitScotland. He will bring to the role a depth of experience and
drive and enthusiasm for the tourism industry.”
Peter Lederer, outgoing Chairman, VisitScotland said: “I am
delighted that Mike Cantlay has been appointed as Chairman of
VisitScotland. Mike has made a considerable contribution to the
industry over the years. I look forward to supporting him as he
takes VisitScotland forward over the next few years.”
Dr Cantlay is Chairman and Managing Director of William Glen
Limited which operates tourism, leisure and retail interests in
Scotland, Canada and the USA. He was previously Chair and Managing
Director of highland dress specialist Hector Russell and also
tourist retail chain The Whisky Shop. Dr Cantlay was brought up in
Callander where he still lives and his business is headquartered.
He has held several public appointments including Deputy Chair of
VisitScotland; Chair of Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley; Chair of
the Board of Management at Forth Valley College and an advisory
member of the board of Scottish Enterprise. He is also serving a
second term as Convenor of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National
Park Authority; an appointment he will complete later in 2010; and
is a Non Executive Director the board of Highlands and Islands
Airports Ltd (HIAL), a position which he will continue to
undertake..
Dr Cantlay has had links with tourism throughout his career and
brings extensive knowledge and experience of tourism at home and
abroad, as well as a track record of serving Scotland’s global
Diaspora. He was awarded the Scottish Thistle Tourism Award for
Young Manager of the Year in 1992, has held numerous positions with
local tourist associations, has been Director of several retail
businesses with tourism links – both in Scotland and North America,
and was a Board Member of the Scottish Tourist Board and
VisitScotland from 1998 to 2005 (including Deputy Chairman from
2001 to 2005).
Background
Dr Cantlay’s appointment commences on April 1, 2010 for a period
of three years. This post is part-time and attracts a remuneration
of £400 per day (£24,000 per annum) for a time commitment of five
days per month.
Dr Cantlay’s other public appointments in Scotland attract
remuneration of £199 per day for Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
National Park Authority; and £291 per day for HIAL.
VisitScotland is the Scottish Government’s national tourism
organisation responsible for implementing government policies and
initiatives impacting on the development of tourism in Scotland and
improving the customer experience. It contributes significantly to
the advancement of Scottish tourism by giving it a real presence in
the global marketplace and benefitting the whole of Scotland.
VisitScotland’s priorities are: marketing to attract visitors to
Scotland; to engage with partners within the industry; and to add
value to the visitor experience.
Further information on VisitScotland is available on the website
www.visitscotland.org
This Ministerial public appointment is made in accordance with
the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland’s Code of
Practice. All appointments are made on merit and political activity
plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with
the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for
appointees’ political activity to be made public. Dr Cantlay has
not undertaken any political activity within the last five
years.
Contact
Stewart Cooper : 0131 244 2175 / 07810507014
