The man who was set to take charge of industry group Cumbria Tourism will now not take up the post.
Tom Newbould was announced as the organisation's next managing director fewer than two weeks ago, replacing Ian Stephens, who will continue in this role until the end of the month.
He was due to start work on Monday, July 3 but has withdrawn from the position.
Eric Robson, the chairman of Cumbria Tourism, said: “We have received confirmation that Tom Newbould is unfortunately unable to take up the role of managing director at Cumbria Tourism due to unforeseen personal circumstances which have arisen over the last few days. However, our newly appointed executive board have met and are already actively pursuing other potential candidates.
"We hope to have an announcement shortly about the role, and otherwise it is business as usual at Cumbria Tourism.”
Cumbria Tourism is the in charge of "destination marketing" for the county's tourism industry, which is worth almost £2.8bn each year.
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