Marketing Lancashire chair steps down

Tony Attard has resigned as chair of Marketing Lancashire after nearly six years in the role.

Tony, who is founder and group chief executive of Burnley-based Panaz, was appointed to lead the organisation in December 2015. During his tenure he was also appointed deputy lieutenant of Lancashire, and in 2018 he was named high sheriff of Lancashire.

Rachel McQueen, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, said: "Tony has been a fantastic advocate for both Marketing Lancashire as an organisation and for Lancashire as a place.

"He has led the board and the executive team through some impressive highs, including showcasing Lancashire at the Houses of Parliament on Lancashire Day in 2018, delivery of the first nationally funded campaign to attract international visitors to the county, the establishment of the Lancashire Ambassadors programme, launched by Andrew Flintoff at Samlesbury Hall, and Lancashire’s largest ever showcase at MIPIM, an international real estate conference, in March 2019."

On Lancashire Day 2019, he announced his intention to bring the City of Culture to the red rose county. In August Lancashire was named as one of 20 places in the running for the accolade but just over a month later, the team was informed the bid would not progress to the next stage of the competition.

Tony said: "It has been my privilege to have served this great and historic county with a talented team within Marketing Lancashire, and in partnership with the professional officers of the county.

"The work that has been undertaken was linked by a common bond of love for our county and a determination to demonstrate, nationally and internationally, that the county has a great deal to offer for work, as a place to live, study, invest in and to visit.

"I will always be a proud ambassador for Lancashire and believe that the county, with the right leadership and vision, has the potential to make great strides in growing the economy further for the benefit of the people who live here. I wish Marketing Lancashire, Rachel and the team, all the very best in their ongoing drive to promote the county in partnership with public and private sector partners."

The search for a new chair is now underway.

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