Mystery Plays chair made new chairman of Visit York (From York Press)

Mystery Plays chair made new chairman of Visit York

11:01am Tuesday 25th September 2012 in News By Julie Hayes, Business editor

TOURISM agency Visit York has appointed Jane Gibson, outgoing chairman of York Mystery Plays , as its new chairman.

Lady Gibson, wife of Morrisons' chairman Sir Ian Gibson, has more than 25 years experience of strategic development in cultural and creative industries and takes the non-executive role at Visit York as her chairmanship of the York Mystery Plays advisory board comes to an end.

She will continue her role on the advisory board of the National Trust Yorkshire and North East as well as her advisory position at enterprise charity SkillsBridge and her directorship of performing arts company November Club.

Lady Gibson said: "Our main aim is to ensure customers have a great time when they come to York, so in my first year, I want to concentrate on the role that Visit York can play in maximising these positive experiences.

"I would also like to see everyone who runs a tourism business make a great living, so I’ll be keen to explore ways that we can support the local economy and increase visitor spending in the city.

"There are many exciting projects ahead, including the recently awarded Regional Growth Funding and our partnership with Visit England, which presents fantastic opportunities to reach new audiences."

Lady Gibson has a track record in creating and maintaining partnerships, something which is a key focus for Visit York, said acting chairman, Keith Wood.

She also has significant experience in economic development through cultural and creative industries, large-scale capital development, European and Single Pot funding, running a small business and public and third sector governance.

In a voluntary capacity she was an executive board member of Culture North East, a member of the Learning & Skills Council in Northumberland and a director of Northern Stage.

In March, Nick Cust, executive chairman of York-based Amber Travel Partnership which encompasses Great Rail Journeys, took the chairman role from John Yeomans, who had held it for four years, but he quit less than a month later after reviewing the time commitment the role required.