Destination Coventry appoints new managing director

A major appointment at Coventry’s destination management organisation (DMO) will spearhead the next stage of its growth and development.

Paul McMahon has joined Destination Coventry as its new managing director and joins with a track record of success in leadership roles and fostering sustainable commercial growth.

He was previously chief executive officer of easyMarketing, which is part of the Easy Group, a director of an international coaching business and cultivated a group 34-franchises over 18 years into what was then the UK’s largest independent corporate caterer.

McMahon is from the West Midlands and his first visit to Coventry came in 1982 to see Pope John Paul II on his visit to the city. 

He has experience working with public and private sector partners and will be responsible for leading on a new business development strategy and raising the profile of Coventry and the wider region to national and international audiences.

Destination Coventry is a collaboration between Coventry City Council and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

It delivers destination management and marketing for Coventry to grow and support the visitor economy.

The membership organisation has more than 100 members and represents both leisure and business tourism business through its two brands – ‘Visit Coventry’ and ‘Conference Coventry and Warwickshire’. 

McMahon said: “We want Destination Coventry to be the UK benchmark in best practice for destination management organisations.

“I had been looking for an impactful role which would positively impact communities by driving meaningful change and successful outcomes. 

“The aim is to showcase the rich and diverse culture we have in the area, enhancing the national and international profile of Coventry and Warwickshire for both leisure and business tourism.

“I know the area well and it has an incredible amount to offer to visitors, whether that is through the heritage and culture offering, or the proud history in automotive, advanced manufacturing and other key industries.

“Partnerships are going to be central to our approach, ensuring that as region we are all working towards the same overarching strategic vision. I look forward to working with stakeholders from across Coventry and Warwickshire to achieve our goals.”

McMahon will also be working with Shakespeare’s England, local authority partners in Warwickshire and West Midlands Growth Company to establish the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP)

Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the new appointment

He said: “Destination Coventry has a crucial role in supporting businesses across the visitor economy and to continue to deliver excellent results the organisation will need to continue to evolve.

“Paul’s leadership qualities and track record of success in helping to take organisation to next level position him perfectly for this senior position. His appointment is the result of an extensive recruitment process from which he emerged as the clear candidate to drive Destination Coventry forward.” 

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, added: “I’m very pleased to welcome Paul to this really important role. Coventry has loads to offer visitors and the visitor economy supports lots of jobs in the city so it’s an area that we are keen to grow.

“We are very proud of our heritage offer and it sits alongside some brilliant new attractions too so there is lots for Paul and his team to promote to a really wide audience.”

Destination Coventry’s Oversight Board, which is comprised of public and private partners, was involved in the appointment process. 

Paul Michael, chair of Destination Coventry’s Oversight Board, said: “Paul brings a new dynamic, a wealth of experience and a strong commercial skillset, which will be pivotal to a supporting a stable future for Destination Coventry and be essential as we continue to work towards establishing the Coventry and Warwickshire LVEP.”