SENIOR figures from two of Liverpool’s most famous, popular and successful organisations have been appointed to head the city region’s new tourism board.
Liverpool FC’s commercial director, Ian Ayre, has been appointed chairman of the Tourist Board and has joined the main board of The Mersey Partnership (TMP).
Michael Eakin, chief executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, has been appointed deputy chair of the Tourist Board.
The appointments will take effect immediately and are for an initial term of 12 months. Both are unpaid non-executive roles. The pair will now work to recruit a team of between six to eight people to sit on the board. The new board was part of TMP’s restructuring announced in July.
The Tourist Board will be advised by a panel of 40 participants and experts in the sector to maximise engagement with partners across region.
TMP’s chief executive, Lorraine Rogers, said: “Ian and Michael will bring considerable international, commercial and cultural experience to our tourism sector.”
Both LFC and the RLPO are members of The Mersey Partnership. Mr Ayre said: “I am pleased to be given the opportunity to work with TMP and lead the new body that is replacing the former Tourist Board.” Mr Eakin said: “I am looking forward to being able to work with partners and colleagues to achieve further success together.”
