Restructure at VisitScotland as Roughead becomes chief executive
Malcolm Roughead has been appointed as chief executive of tourism body VisitScotland, while its senior staff are also set to be ‘restructured’ to create savings of £1.3m over the next four-years.
Formerly director of marketing, Roughead takes on the role having been acting chief executive since June, since the departure of chief executive Philip Riddle, who the body has now reached a settlement with or £113,000.
Roughead takes on the post with immediate effect on a salary of £140,000, which is £21,000 less than Riddle is said to have been paid. Roughead is also said to have asked for no annual bonus entitlement in his package and will also continue to lead the marketing team in his strategic marketing role, meaning that his previous role will not be filled.
The restructure will meant the number of directors at the organisation will fall from six to four, with savings being placed into marketing Scotland.
Roughead said: “VisitScotland has transformed itself over the last decade and I am looking forward to leading the organisation as it continues to change and develop. In the current climate it’s crucial we work together to grow tourism. VisitScotland generated more than £400 million for the Scottish economy last year - representing a return of more than £20 for every £1 invested. I want to work closely with the tourism industry to achieve even greater growth in the years to come as I believe that tourism is vital to economic growth and creating new jobs.”
VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay added: “Malcolm is regarded as one of the top tourism marketeers in the world. My board believes that his track record of success and the magnificent returns VisitScotland brings the Scottish economy will reap dividends for our industry in the future. Additionally, the economies of his streamlining of the senior management team should bring confidence that VisitScotland will always achieve best value for money.”