A north-east tourism chief has announced he will retire in the new year.
Steve Harris, chief executive of VisitAberdeenshire, will leave his role in March after four years in post.
The 60-year-old was originally appointed to lead the city tourism body VisitAberdeen but became head of VisitAberdeenshire following the amalgamation of the two earlier this year.
Globetrotting Mr Harris was born in London and has lived in many of the world’s major metropolises.
His career started with selling – and on one occasion eating – dog and cat food.
He then moved on through local government, ferries, trains, marine containers, hotels, spectacles, magazines and onto oil and gas.
He moved to Stonehaven in 2003 and worked in the Granite City before declaring he had no intention to ever move again.
Mr Harris adopted the habits of his new home and became a keen dolphin watcher at Aberdeen harbour and became a season ticket holder at Pittodrie.
During his tenure at VisitAberdeen he launched many initiatives to bring more tourist money to the region including a high profile drive to encourage more visitors from the burgeoning Chinese market.
Colin Crosby, chairman of VisitAberdeenshire, said: “Steve Harris was originally appointed to the role of chief executive of VisitAberdeen in 2012 and he successfully completed the creation of VisitAberdeenshire earlier in 2016.
“He has been instrumental in delivering a proactive organisation which has established a clear brand for the area, to attract
both leisure and business visitors.
“He will leave behind a successful, high profile and influential organisation and the board and partners thank him for all his efforts.
“Steve will retire at the end of March 2017 and the board will begin the recruitment process in January.”
Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing said that Mr Harris had done “vital” work for the tourism sector in the north-east.
She said: “I would like to thank Steve Harris for all the work he has done in getting VisitAberdeenshire up and running.
“We respect his decision to retire and wish him all the best in the future.”
Adrian Watson, CEO of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “VisitAberdeenshire has been a valued partner of Aberdeen Inspired since our inception in 2011.
“I would like to thank Steve Harris for his support, commitment and positivity as our organisations continue to work together to promote our city as a vibrant destination for both tourists and residents.
“He pioneered the organisations successful rebrand earlier this year, I wish him well with his future pursuits.”
