THE Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed one of the region’s leading tourism and hospitality directors to chair its Cumbria branch.

Jen Cormack, Sales and Marketing Director at Windermere Lake Cruises, joins as the Institute ramps up its support to help directors to recover from the pandemic and prosper.

Jen has considerable experience in the leisure, travel and tourism industry and sits on the board of both Cumbria Tourism and UKinbound. She previously spent 14 years with UK and overseas leisure park operator Pure Leisure Group, based in Carnforth.

Jen said: “I am privileged and honoured to take on this prestigious role. As I have learned from working within the tourism industry, collaboration is essential, so I’m looking forward to supporting our Cumbria members by building networks and opening doors. Together we can inspire one another on to greater success for the county.”

Steve Bennett, chair of IoD North West, said: “We are delighted to secure Jen to lead our Cumbria team. She is a passionate ambassador for the Lake District and Cumbria and has terrific connections within the tourism, hospitality sector and local business. She will be the standard bearer for local directors, providing support where it is needed most along with inspiration through a programme of business events as we recover and rebuild the IoD across the North West region.”