VisitBritain Biographies
Christopher Rodrigues CBE, Chairman
Christopher Rodrigues was appointed as chairman of VisitBritain from 1 January 2007. His previous appointments have included President and CEO of Visa International in the USA, Group Chief Executive of Bradford and Bingley plc, and he has held senior positions with American Express and Thomas Cook. Christopher became a CBE following the 2007 New Year Honours list for services to British business interests and charitable works in the UK and USA.
Sandie Dawe MBE, Chief Executive Officer
On May 11, 2009 Sandie Dawe was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of VisitBritain. In 2008, Dawe was honored by Queen Elizabeth II with The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to tourism. She previously served as Deputy Chief Executive of VisitBritain. Dawe joined the British Tourist Authority from the London Tourist Board in 1991 and since then has held a variety of positions in VisitBritain in communications, PR, policy, marketing and strategy. Her early career included working for the Book Marketing Council and the BBC World Service.
Penelope, Viscountess Cobham, Deputy Chairman
Lady Cobham was appointed to the VisitBritain Board in April 2003, and named as Deputy Chairman in March 2005. She also serves as Chairman of the British Casino Association, and is a board member, trustee or consultant to a number of public and private bodies. Lady Cobham is a keen supporter of VisitBritain's North American initiatives, and has hosted the organization's prestigious Travel Journalist Awards for the past two years. She lead VisitBritain's support for the Jamestown 400th anniversary commemorations, serving on the British Jamestown 2007 Committee.
Simon Bradley
Simon joined VisitBritain in 2003 from South West Tourism as Regional Manager for Europe Nordic, responsible for marketing Britain in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. In 2005 he moved to London to head up the redevelopment of EnjoyEngland.com, CRM, the Britain and London Visitor Centre in Regent Street and VisitBritain’s relationship with the English TIC network. In 2007, he was appointed to the role of Executive Vice President, The Americas. » more information