Visit Lincoln appoints new chief executive

An experienced marketer, business leader and professional golfer has been appointed as the new chief executive at Visit Lincoln.

Mike Timson, who has 24 years of tourism and leisure experience, will take on his new role in October 2019.

He’s also a PGA Professional Golfer, who previously worked at places including Belton Park Golf Club in Grantham and as operations director at Newmachar Golf Club in Aberdeenshire.

Mike’s passion for travel and tourism also saw him work as an advisor for Visit Aberdeenshire.

He will replace Lydia Rusling, who left to take up a new senior role at East Lindsey District Council this month after two and a half years at Visit Lincoln.

Mike, who first moved to Lincoln in 2002 and will relocate back to the city, said: “I’m delighted to take the role. I’m a forward thinker with a strong business sense.

“One of my key objectives is to demonstrate the importance of Visit Lincoln to businesses, stakeholders and the local community – by pulling these together we will succeed in growing the city further.

“Tourism is worth £203 million to the city of Lincoln and £1.4 billion to Greater Lincolnshire. I’m looking forward to working with the team and the board of directors to increase local revenue and attract more domestic and international visitors.

“I also want to grow the Visit Lincoln brand and continue the Place Marketing strategy to attract more investors into the city through partnership working.”

Visit Lincoln has seen unprecedented growth across its marketing, partnership and digital activity, with turnover increasing by 40% last year since establishing as an independent Community Interest Company.

Mark Hollingworth, Chairman of Visit Lincoln, added: “We’re looking for a CEO who can lead Visit Lincoln into its next chapter of success and Mike ticked all the boxes.

“He’s a successful businessman who not only launched his own retail shop but has also turned around the fortunes of all the businesses he’s worked within.”