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
Andrew Mackness

Non-Executive Chairman of Visit Isle of Man

Andrew is originally from North West of England and moved to the Isle of Man two years ago with his wife, where they now base their consultancy business, serving both the UK and the Isle of Man.

Andrew is a former Commercial Pilot with 42 years of senior business leadership experience in Retail, and the Service and Property sector. He is now the Chair and major Shareholder of St Andrews Lakes, a leisure destination in South East of England.

Andrew is an active keen member of the tennis community on the Isle of Man and enjoys walking and exploring the beauty of our Biosphere.

andrew.mackness@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
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 an accomplished leader with a proven ability to enhance destination appeal and drive sustainable growth. With extensive experience in tourism management, destination marketing, hotel operations, and strategic planning, Andrew has consistently delivered outstanding results. As the Director of Tourism for the Isle of Man, Andrew aims to increase visitor numbers and revenue through innovative campaigns and strategic partnerships.

Drawing on his experience at renowned locations such as Burgh Island Hotel, where he led initiatives that boosted ADR, occupancy rates, and elevated the guest experience, Andrew has a deep understanding of how to contribute to a region's tourism appeal.

His strategic vision and leadership were also evident during his time at Formby Hall and Altitude London, where he implemented successful business strategies that significantly increased visitor engagement and achieved revenue targets. Recognised for his contributions to the industry, including a nomination for Hotelier of the Year, Andrew is committed to advancing tourism excellence and creating memorable experiences for all visitors.

andrew.jamieson@opul.solutions
Claire McColgan CBE

Director of Culture and Major Events, Liverpool City Council

Claire is responsible for Culture Liverpool, Marketing Liverpool, Business Liverpool, City Halls, Cruise, Film Office and Tourist Information at Liverpool City Council and recently delivered an unparalleled Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine.

Claire is a national and international advisor and speaker on best practice in Culture acting for Arts Council England and Ireland, the British Council, Local Government Association and represented the UK in Thailand, Brazil and China. Claire was a Director on the Board of Derry/Londonderry, the inaugural City of Culture program, and was chosen by Karen Bradley, then Secretary of State, as the UK expert for the 2022 European Capital of Culture competition.

Claire was awarded the CBE in 2023 for achievements and services to culture and arts across the country.

claire.mccolgan@liverpool.gov.uk