David Titmuss, Commercial Director of Chester Zoo _220
AFTER the dog-eat-dog world of banking, David Titmuss, from Chester, has taken on looking after the interest of more popular “wild animals” – at Chester Zoo.
But, while Mr Titmuss feels sorry for some of his former colleagues who face an uncertain future as the world’s markets experience unprecedented turmoil, he is having the best time of his life.
The new commercial director said: “I fed the lemurs the other day, and it was the best thing ever.”
A father-of-two, Mr Titmuss previously held posts as head of marketing at Capital Bank and for the Bank of Scotland Group, and had recently worked with The Mortgage Lender, formerly one of the largest sub-prime mortgage companies, which has now ceased trading.
He said: “I feel sorry for those in financial services. I think there are some very worried people – worried for their shares, pensions and careers coming to a grinding halt.
“And it’s maybe a time to think, as I have, about ways of adding value rather than taking value away.
“Every one of the 400 people working here at the zoo is so dedicated, whether they are working with the elephants or in the office.
“That is the biggest contrast to working in a mortgage company or a bank.
“And there are true world experts working here and some brilliant things and brilliant people.”
His job now is to improve on the zoo’s already impressive visitor numbers – 1.3m last year – as well as making the most of marketing opportunities and retail for Chester Zoo’s visitors.
Prior to joining the zoo – a registered conservation charity – Mr Titmuss had also helped to set up and secure investment for The Funding Corporation.
A previous member of the 110-acre zoo, David is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.
He said: “As someone who once lived just doors away from the zoo, I have always been, and continue to be, a great supporter of the work that goes on here.
“This is an exciting and challenging role and I’m very much looking forward to increasing our commercial presence and reach, whilst promoting and supporting our valuable, world-wide conservation work.”
Mr Titmuss’s appointment completes the “trio” of zoo directors: Mark Pilgrim is director of conservation and education and Alasdair McNee is director of corporate services. Gordon McGregor Reid is director general.
