Visit Cornwall Community Interest Company is delighted to announce the appointment of Jon Hyatt as the new chair of the board of directors. He will assume the reins in a non-executive role from 1st November from Malcolm Bell MBE, who has acted as Executive Chair for the last 18 months having previously been the founding CEO of Visit Cornwall CIC, which was formed as a not-for-profit organisation following the transition of Visit Cornwall away from the public sector in 2015.
Jon, Managing Director of the award-winning Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay, said: “It has been a privilege to serve on the board of Visit Cornwall under Malcolm and I am both honoured and excited to succeed him as Chair. Malcolm has steered the visitor economy through significant challenges and driven the sector to new levels, having developed Visit Cornwall into a nationally recognised leader in destination management. The challenge does continue however with an ever changing economic and political landscape, but with a formidable executive team and a hugely motivated and experienced board, I am excited about the next chapter for Visit Cornwall, enhancing benefits for both our members and also our host communities, as we work for significant and sustainable contributions to the Cornish economy.”
Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council Cabinet member and Portfolio Holder for the Economy said: “Jon Hyatt is the ideal candidate to lead Visit Cornwall as its new Chair. With his deep-rooted understanding of Cornwall’s unique appeal, paired with a proven track record in hospitality and tourism, Jon will champion sustainable growth and innovation. His approach of balancing tourism with the preservation of Cornwall’s natural beauty and local culture will inspire both visitors and residents alike. Jon Hyatt’s expertise and passion make him the ideal choice to help shape Cornwall’s tourism future.”
He will lead the 10-person volunteer board working closely with Michael Steel, Managing Director, and the team at Visit Cornwall to support and serve the members of Visit Cornwall. Michael Steel was appointed as Managing Director of Visit Cornwall in March 2023. He brings over a decade of experience across tourism, energy, and finance. His leadership focuses on enhancing visitor experiences and promoting sustainable tourism for Cornwall’s continued growth. Malcolm will step down as Chair on 31 st October and retire from the Visit Cornwall executive at the end of March 2025, following a transition period and successful delivery of significant Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) projects within the visitor economy. Malcom will continue to drive the development of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP).
Find out more about Visit Cornwall HERE.
