City News

The chief executive of Birmingham International Airport is to set to become chairman of Marketing Birmingham, the body responsible for promoting the city’s huge business and leisure tourism sector.

Paul Kehoe, chief executive of Birmingham International Airport (BIA), will take on the role from outgoing chairman Ian Squires, who has decided to leave after being promoted within broadcaster ITV.

Marketing Birmingham is a public-private partnership supported by some 300 member businesses, as well as by Birmingham City Council and Advantage West Midlands. Under Mr Squires’ stewardship the business has grown significantly, with the organisation now responsible for promoting a sector worth £4.4bn a year to the city, attracting some 32 million visitors per annum.

The 15-strong board that Mr Kehoe will head brings together talents from the public and private sectors to oversee and advise on Marketing Birmingham’s strategy and direction.

Mr Kehoe’s appointment will commence on 18 May when Ian Squires will formally stand down at the company’s Annual General Meeting. Paul said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the passion and depth of feeling for the city. My job involves meeting people from across the globe on a daily basis, and I’m aware just how much Birmingham’s reputation has grown in recent years. We need to build on that.

“Marketing Birmingham must be more than a destination marketing specialist - it has to be a passionate advocate for our city. Part of my role will be to channel that passion into something that continues to deliver results and makes Birmingham recognised on the world stage.

“Business and leisure tourism is a massive contributor to this city’s economy and its worldwide reputation. This is a key role in a key organisation, responsible for getting people to come here and keep coming back.
“Although Marketing Birmingham is taking the lead in promoting the city to a wider world, we can’t do it alone. One of the key notes of my chairmanship will be the importance of partnership - making every business, institution and resident in Birmingham a potential ambassador for the city.”

Mr Squires, who has been promoted from managing director of Central Broadcasting to ITV’s controller of regions and current affairs, said he was leaving Marketing Birmingham with regret, but his new role meant he would have to spend a considerable amount of time away from the city.

He added: “I’ve been chairman of Marketing Birmingham for five years – that’s a long time but the role has been so interesting and worthwhile that it’s been a pleasure to stay so long. Now is a good time to move on because the organisation is in a position to move up another gear - it’s been a pleasure helping it get ready to make that step.

“I couldn’t think of a better person to hand on to than Paul. He’s quickly become an established part of the city’s business community - he’s media savvy and he has an unrivalled understanding of the importance of destination marketing. I know he’ll be a superb chairman and adviser to chief executive Neil Rami and his team.”

For all press enquires call Kurt Jacobs on 0121 202 5002 or email him at kurt.jacobs@marketingbirmingham.com