Marketing Cheshire unveils new Managing Director who pledges to help region’s “world-class attractions” shine
Cristian Marcucci has been unveiled as new Managing Director
Marketing Cheshire has unveiled award-winning strategic communications specialist Cristian Marcucci as its new Managing Director
Marcucci, currently Assistant Director for Communications at Staffordshire County Council, will take up his role at the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) in January.
Part of the Cheshire and Warrington LEP family, Marketing Cheshire promotes the sub-region to tourists, business, investors, and residents– using its tourism and place making expertise to promote a region that welcomes over 36.3 million visitors each year creating a visitor economy valued at over £3.7 billion.
Today Marcucci, 45, who currently leads internal and external communications, reputation management and public affairs at Staffordshire County Council said he couldn’t wait to promote “the world-class attractions and pioneering businesses” in a region boasting a rich tapestry of must-visit places.
He said: “Cheshire is a special place, home to a world-class and diverse range of tourism attractions many with an educational aspect and as diverse as the Roman history and world’s oldest racecourse in Chester, a theme park in Warrington (Gulliver’s World), an UNESCO World Heritage site (Jodrell Bank’s Discovery Centre), the beautiful Tatton Park, and muddled mazes of BeWILDerwood set in 70 acres of enchanted woodland next to the historic Cholmondeley Castle.
“I am passionate about place marketing and bringing leaders, influencers and people together to promote their areas and in this role I cannot wait to work with place leaders and the pioneering businesses that generate billions and attract millions of visitors each year to help the region continue to deliver a growing, sustainable, healthy and inclusive economy.”
Marcucci was part of the Staffordshire County Council team that last year won the prestigious Communications Team of the Year at the comms2point0 Unawards.
The ex-journalist has worked in local government communications for 17 years and also as a peer reviewer for the Local Government Association.
In his current role, he also launched the We Are Staffordshire place marketing partnership which spearheads promotion and marketing of the county as a prime location and it was shortlisted for City Nation Place international place brand of the year in 2022.
As well as offering tourism expertise Marketing Cheshire’s work ranges from supporting the relaunch of Cheshire Science Corridor – home to over 7,000 businesses and world-class assets - to promoting Cheshire Day and big events including the annual Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards and recent Cheshire and Warrington LEP annual economic conference.
Marketing Cheshire also recently received Local Visitor Economy Partnership status from Visit England, meaning it is now part of a national portfolio of strategic and high-performing DMOs working in collaboration to support and grow the visitor economy.
Marcucci’s appointment comes after former Chief Executive Joe Manning departed to lead inward investment firm MIDAS early this year.
He will be supported by recently appointed Head of Marketing Liam Hartzenberg whose promotion came after two years as Brand and Creative Lead, which saw him responsible for creative delivery, implementing new brands and working with partners on campaigns showcasing the region as a great place to live, work, invest and visit.
His appointment followed the departure in April of Commercial Director Nicola Said who took up the role of Regional Lead – North West and West Midlands at VisitEngland.