Destination Plymouth enters new era

Destination Plymouth has appointed Professor Paul Fieldsend Danks as interim chairman following the departure of Richard Stevens MBE, DL, who steps down after ten years on the board, including three as chair.

Professor Danks, who is vice chancellor and chief executive of Arts University Plymouth, was nominated by fellow directors and brings a strong strategic and cultural perspective to the role. 

He will lead the organisation as it continues to champion Plymouth’s visitor economy and support tourism-led growth across the city.

Professor Danks said: “I feel very proud and honoured to take over this role from Richard, who has supported the organisation for over ten years, the past three as chairman. 

“This is a very exciting time for the city with unprecedented investment and growth opportunities for the next ten years. 

“As an organisation, Destination Plymouth has been transitioning into a broader city role to promote the city not just as a visitor destination but as a place to live, work, study and invest as well. 

“We are proud of our city and our ambition going forwards is to tell our city story more widely and excite people about the great opportunities we have here.”

During his time on the board, Richard has seen Destination Plymouth grow from strength to strength, with the city’s visitor numbers growing to over five million a year and playing a central role in the delivery of the Mayflower 400 commemorations in 2020.

Richard added: “I am proud to have been part of this small but incredibly successful organisation. 

“Working with the senior leadership in the city, we have helped to shape not only the visitor economy but also had significant impact across the whole city through partnership working with delivery teams across Plymouth, the wider region and nationally. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the board fellow directors and executive team, however, now is time for a change. 

“There are new opportunities coming into the city and now is the time for new input and expertise to drive things forwards.”

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