A major appointment at Coventry’s destination management
organisation (DMO) will spearhead the next stage of its growth and development.
Paul McMahon has joined Destination Coventry as its new
managing director and joins with a track record of success in leadership roles
and fostering sustainable commercial growth. He was previously chief executive
officer of easyMarketing, which is part of the Easy Group, a director of an
international coaching business and cultivated a group 34-franchises over 18
years into what was then the UK’s largest independent corporate caterer.
McMahon is from the West Midlands and his first visit to
Coventry came in 1982 to see Pope John Paul II on his visit to the city. He has
experience working with public and private sector partners and will be
responsible for leading on a new business development strategy and raising the
profile of Coventry and the wider region to national and international audiences.
Destination Coventry is a collaboration between Coventry
City Council and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. It delivers
destination management and marketing for Coventry to grow and support the
visitor economy. The membership organisation has more than 100 members and
represents both leisure and business tourism business through its two brands –
‘Visit Coventry’ and ‘Conference Coventry and Warwickshire’.
McMahon said: “We want Destination Coventry to be the UK
benchmark in best practice for a destination management organisation. “I had
been looking for an impactful role which would positively impact communities by
driving meaningful change and successful outcomes. “The aim is to showcase the
rich and diverse culture we have in the area, enhancing the national and
international profile of Coventry and Warwickshire for both leisure and
business tourism.
“I know the area well and it has an incredible amount to
offer to visitors, whether that is through the heritage and culture offering,
or the proud history in automotive, advanced manufacturing and other key
industries.
“Partnerships are going to be central to our approach,
ensuring that as region we are all working towards the same overarching
strategic vision. I look forward to working with stakeholders from across
Coventry and Warwickshire to achieve our goals.”
McMahon will also be working with Shakespeare’s England,
local authority partners in Warwickshire and West Midlands Growth Company to
establish the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership
(LVEP).
Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry & Warwickshire
Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the new appointment. He said: “Destination
Coventry has a crucial role in supporting businesses across the visitor economy
and to continue to deliver excellent results the organisation will need to
continue to evolve.
“Paul’s leadership qualities and track record of success in
helping to take organisation to next level position him perfectly for this
senior position. His appointment is the result of an extensive recruitment
process from which he emerged as the clear candidate to drive Destination
Coventry forward.”
