Professionals from across the Sussex tourism industry are coming together to lead the region as a global visitor destination.
The East Sussex, Brighton & Hove and West Sussex Local Visitor Economy Partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of members to its newly established LVEP Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) Advisory Board, a key milestone in advancing the ambitions set out in the Visitor Economy Strategy for Growth. The Advisory Board will provide expert guidance to help shape Sussex’s future as a leading international visitor destination.
The visitor economy plays a vital role in the region, contributing £5 billion annually and supporting over 74,000 local jobs (equivalent to 14% of all employment). With the support of the LVEP Advisory Board, the aim is to boost the sector’s value by an additional £2.5 billion over the next decade, while also enhancing its social and environmental impact.
The LVEP Advisory Board will offer strategic leadership and will act as ambassadors, championing the sector’s development and raising Sussex’s profile on the national stage.
Bringing together private sector professionals from across the county’s diverse tourism landscape, the Board reflects the rich breadth of Sussex’s visitor economy. Industry representatives were selected through a competitive application process and bring deep knowledge, innovation, and strong local networks to the table.
Mardi Roberts, Director of Communications at Ridgeview Wine Estate and former Vice-Chair of the interim LVEP Board, has been appointed interim Chair for the coming year. With extensive experience in local, regional, national, and international tourism, Mardi’s leadership will be instrumental in steering the Board’s work and shaping the growth of the Sussex visitor economy.
The newly appointed industry Advisory Board members are.
• Mardi Roberts, Director, Ridgeview Wine Estate (Interim Chair)
• Anne Ackord, CEO, The Brighton Pier Group
• Sarah Broadbent, Owner/Director, Swallowtail Hill Ltd
• Lucy Davies, CEO, Brighton Dome & Festival
• Nigel Greenwood, Managing Director, So Sussex
• Mark Griffiths, Owner, Woodfire
• Chris Hannon, Sustainable Business Strategy Lead, South Downs National Park Authority
• Nathaniel Hepburn, Chief Executive Officer, Charleston
• Kim Jack-Riley, Director, Cruise Lines International Association
• Richard Lennard, Economic Partnerships Manager, Gatwick Airport
• Celine Lesley, Director of Sales & Marketing, Gravetye Manor
• Lauren O’Keeffe, Commercial Director, DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole
• Marilena Reina, Head of Marketing & Strategic Communications, Wakehurst
• Gavin Stewart, CEO, Brighton BID
• Amy Yeates, Hospitality Director, Goodwood
These private sector board members will join senior representatives from East Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council and West Sussex County Council, alongside two Chief Executives from District and Borough councils. Experience Sussex and VisitBrighton will provide the secretariat role. A rotating representative from the LVEP Destination Forum, which is a collaborative initiative, comprising tourism destination representatives in Sussex, will also participate.
Mardi Roberts, Interim Chair of East Sussex, Brighton & Hove and West Sussex Interim LVEP Advisory Board, said:
“I’m honoured to lead the LVEP Advisory Board over the next year at such a pivotal moment. Our collective ambition is to elevate Sussex as a leading destination, driving regenerative growth, celebrating our unique assets and ensuring the visitor economy benefits communities right across the region. I’m excited by the opportunities ahead.”
Cllr Penny di Cara, Lead Member for Economy, East Sussex County Council said:
Sussex has so much to offer visitors from across the UK and internationally and the newly appointed LVEP Advisory Board will help us shape a future where tourism enriches both our local communities and environment. It’s a strategic, collaborative move that will help us showcase what our region has to offer.
Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage & Tourism, Brighton & Hove City Council said:
“Sussex offers such a diverse tourism landscape but it’s a cornerstone of the local economy for us all.
“It’s so important that the newly appointed industry members of the LVEP Advisory Board reflect the breadth of the diversity, talent and sectors in the region. I’m proud to represent Brighton & Hove City Council and excited to see what we can achieve together.”
Councillor Garry Wall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, West Sussex County Council (Lead Member) said:
“The LVEP Advisory Board brings together the insight and energy needed to unlock Sussex’s full potential. It’s a strong step towards our wider economic goals, positioning the region as a great place to live, work and invest, creating opportunities for residents and businesses alike.”
For more information on East Sussex, Brighton & Hove and West Sussex LVEP visit www.eastsussexbrightonhovewestsussexlvep.com.