Meet the Board

The Department for Enterprise is responsible for economic development and the creation of an environment where local entrepreneurship is supported and thriving and more new businesses are choosing to call the Isle of Man home.

The Department has a key role to play in the achievement of the Programme for Government's stated intention to be an Island of Enterprise and Opportunity and we recognise that supporting economic development is of strategic importance for the Island's future growth and prosperity.

The Department's mission is aligned with these outcomes and objectives: to create an environment, through innovation and collaboration, where the economy thrives.

The purpose of the Visit Isle of Man Agency Board is to realise the fullest economic growth potential of the Isle of Man as a visitor destination. They are a strategic and key decision making and advisory body supporting the Department for Enterprise ambition for long term economic prosperity for the different sectors in the visitor economy. Find out more about the remit of the Visit Agency Board and see the Terms of Reference.

Tim Johnston MHK

Minister for Department for Enterprise

Appointed Minister for the Department for Enterprise in February 2023.

Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said:

'I am looking to provide clear leadership and deliver targeted support in order to fully deliver on our plans for a secure, vibrant and sustainable future.’
Mark Lewin

Chief Executive of the Department for Enterprise

Mark joined the Department in 2012 following an extensive 25 year career on and off the Island across financial services, technology, hospitality and construction. Mark instated a full strategic review of the Departments exisiting structure, introducing Executive Agencies leveraging private sector expertise to create a partnership approach.

moira.peabody@gov.im
Ranald Caldwell

Non-Executive Chairman of Visit Agency

Ranald has spent 37 years in the Finance sector, 17 of which working internationally selling the Isle of Man as a great place to invest. Ranald worked for a UK adventure company as a qualified Leader and he now assists in cruise ship walks on the Island.

ranald.caldwell@gov.im
Deborah Heather

CEO of Visit Isle of Man

Deborah has over 25 years of hospitality, tourism and travel experience; an award winning ex-Hotel Managing Director and a graduate of Cornell University General Managers program. Deborah was previously a volunteer on the Visit Board for the last 12 months and has worked with destinations for the past 13 years. Deborah is currently Chair of the Tourism Society and a regular speaker at events such as World Travel Market, Tourism Management Institute, the Annual Hotel Conference and the Short Term Accommodation Show.

+44 (0)1624 651587

deborah.heather@gov.im
Brian Thomson

Managing Director, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company

Brian is a maritime leader with a wealth of experience and a background in naval architecture and marine engineering, Brian began his professional career with the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency. He relocated to the Isle of Man seven years ago to work as a Surveyor for the Isle of Man Ship Registry and, in 2019, was promoted to Principal Surveyor.

brian.thomson@steam-packet.com
Brett Martin

Chief Executive, Palace Holdings Limited

Brett is the chair of the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Visitor Economy Committee which represents a broad range of the visitor industry. This Committee is dedicated to working with Government to promote growth in all aspects of the visitor economy.

brett.martin@palace.co.im
Richard Fletcher

Senior Account Manager, PDMS

Richard has a career background in technology and telecommunications, but outside of this he has been involved in the promotion of Cycling and Triathlon events on the Island for over 30 years.

fletcher@manx.net
John Keggin

Managing Director, Island Escapes Ltd

John brings a wide range of experience from a variety of marketing and operational roles, having worked within both financial services and tourism businesses on the Isle of Man and in Cornwall. In 2018 John established Island Escapes, a rapidly growing, modern holiday lettings agency which now manages over 80 self-catering units across the Isle of Man.

john@islandescapes.im
Connie Lovel

Executive Director / CEO, Manx National Heritage

Having relocated to the Isle of Man in August 2021 to take up the position at Manx National Heritage (MNH), Connie has a wealth of experience in the heritage and tourism sectors and joins MNH directly from the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) after almost seven years. The NTS is the largest member organisation in Scotland, and like MNH for the Isle of Man, is responsible for the care and promotion of the nation’s natural, built and cultural heritage.

connie.lovel@mnh.im
Leigh Morris

CEO, Manx Wildlife Trust

Appointed CEO of MWT in January 2020, Leigh’s environmentally focused career spans horticulture, education, marine and terrestrial conservation, and includes 12 years in senior roles at two of Scotland’s premier environmental visitor attractions, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park).

leigh@mwt.im
David Curtis-Brignell MBE

Tourism Reimagined

David’s career began in local government working in British resorts. He spent 9 years at the English Tourist Board before moving to the commercial world where he held senior positions in global hotel companies, travel and tour operators. He served 2 terms as Chairman of The Tourism Society and is now an Honorary Fellow. He co-founded and co-chaired British Tourism Week and then chaired VisitEngland’s English Tourism Week for 10 years. He was awarded an MBE for services to tourism in 2020.

davidcurtisb@gmail.com
Gary Cobb

Airport Director for Isle of Man Airport

Gary is responsible for the safe, efficient running of the airport from operations through to route connectivity. Prior to this Gary was Chief Operating Officer for Highlands and Islands Airport where he oversaw HIAL’s airport operations and regulatory compliance. He was also responsible for key corporate projects including HIAL’s Air Traffic Management Strategy and other large scale capital projects. Before joining HIAL, Gary was Head of Airfield Planning at Gatwick Airport where he was responsible for the airport’s innovative northern runway project. He has also held responsibility for the operation of Gatwick’s single runway – the busiest single runway in the world.

gary.cobb@gov.im