Visit Lincoln chief exec to step down
Lydia Rusling, Visit Lincoln’s chief executive, is stepping down at the end of August after two and a half years at the helm of the Destination Management Organisation.
She is leaving to take a new senior role at East Lindsey District Council.
The search is now on to find a new leader, says Visit Lincoln.
Tourism and visitor spend now contributes more than £216m to the Lincoln economy and supports over 2,500 jobs – making it one of the largest sectors in Lincolnshire.
Mark Hollingworth, chair of the Visit Lincoln Board, said: “Visit Lincoln has a vital role to play in shaping the future success of the visitor economy, linking business and organisations across the area with key attractions and events.
“With so many great opportunities on the horizon to champion Lincoln and Lincolnshire as a place to visit, live and work, our search for the next Chief Executive presents a rare opportunity for emerging leaders to be part of an exciting new era for the industry in Lincoln.
“We’re grateful to Lydia for all the amazing work she has done. She has made a tremendous contribution to the city. We wish her every success in her new role.”
Talking about her time at Visit Lincoln, Lydia Rusling said: “It has been a privilege to work with such an outstanding and talented team of staff and directors. I feel honoured to have led such a wonderful organisation and I know it will go from strength to strength in the future.
“I’ve been with Visit Lincoln for just over two and a half years, and I’ve had a marvellous time. I don’t suppose that many people can be lucky enough to feel as positively about their job as I’ve felt about mine over that time. During my time at Visit Lincoln, we have seen record growth for the tourism industry in the city and county, the growth of the Partnership and the extension of the company’s work into place marketing.
“I’ve worked incredibly hard to develop Visit Lincoln and secure its future, and I’m proud to be handing the business over in an excellent position – and ready for its next leader.”
On the news of her departure board director, Valerie Johnson of St Marks said: “Lydia has done such a fantastic job for Lincoln and she will be a loss for the city.”
