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.

Sarah Maltby MHK

Political Member for Visit Isle of Man and Motorsport

Sarah Maltby MHK was first elected as a Member of the House of Keys in 2021 and joins the Department having previously undertaken the role of Political Member delegated to Social Security for the Treasury.

Prior to her election, Sarah held a career in social care and education spanning 20 years, whilst also supporting a number of charitable causes close to her heart. Sarah is a passionate advocate for the Isle of Man and securing its future aspirations and stability.

sarah.maltby@gov.im
Andy Stewart*

Interim Chief Officer of the Department for Enterprise

Andy has worked within the Department for Enterprise for a number of years, previously Director of Policy & Strategy before becoming Interim Chief Officer of the Department, he brings extensive experience in economic development and public service.

Andy plays a key role in supporting enterprise, innovation and sustainable growth across the Isle of Man.

andrew.stewart@gov.im

*non-voting member
Steve Pickett

Non-Executive Chair

Steve began his logistics career in 1988, progressing from driver to management and sales, where he helped establish the Isle of Man as a key territory. In 2000, he founded Trade Distribution Limited (TDL), now a leading freight operator employing over 100 staff across the UK.

Steve's experience spans national delivery services, hospitality, retail, and brewing, giving him deep insight into local and national markets.
Deborah Heather

CEO of Visit Isle of Man

Deborah brings over 25 years of experience in hospitality, tourism and travel. Deborah is a Cornell GM Program graduate and former award-winning hotel Managing Director.

Deborah also chairs The Tourism Society, speaks at major industry events and has spent 13 years working with destinations, including volunteering on the Visit Board throughout 2022 before her appointment to CEO in 2023.

+44 (0)1624 651587

deborah.heather@gov.im
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
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
Steven Taylor MCMI

Managing Director of Okells Inns

Steven Taylor MCMI is a business leader with over 25 years of experience in managing and developing operations across various consumer-facing sectors. A background in strategy development, operational excellence, software development and financial management. The founder of Kaizen Professional Limited and current Managing Director of Okells Inns, Steven has a proven track record in transforming business operations and leading teams to form and achieve their strategic ambitions.

steven.taylor@hb.co.im
Andrew Jamieson

Chief Operating Officer of Opul Solutions

Andrew is a strategic tourism leader with expertise in destination marketing, hotel operations and sustainable growth. Andrew has delivered strong results at Burgh Island, Formby Hall and Altitude London, enhancing guest experience and revenue.

Industry-recognised, Andrew is passionate about innovation and creating memorable visitor experiences.

andrew.jamieson@opul.solutions
Claire McColgan CBE

Director of Culture and Major Events, Liverpool City Council

Claire oversees Liverpool's cultural, tourism, and marketing initiatives, including Eurovision 2023 for Ukraine.

A global advisor on cultural best practices, Claire has worked with Arts Councilsm the British Council, and represented the UK internationally.

In 2023, Claire was awarded a CBE for services to culture and the arts.

claire.mccolgan@liverpool.gov.uk