London Development Agency appoints senior marketer

The London Development Agency (LDA) has appointed Anita Thornberry as head of tourism and visitor economy.

The LDA is responsible for devising London’s economic and tourism strategy and works with partner organisations including tourism body VisitLondon.

Thornberry formerly worked at English Heritage as a business manager and was seconded to regional development agency One Northeast before joining the LDA. She takes up the position left vacant by Tim Addison, now managing director of specialist integrated agency Designate.

Thornberry will lead the team responsible for implementing Mayor of London Ken Livingstone’s plan for tourism. She reports to director of business development Mel Baratt.

The mayor’s plan will extend to March 2006. The LDA team will be responsible for creating the next three-year plan.

The LDA channels funding to VisitLondon and is also co-funding the London 2012 Olympic bid. Thornberry will work on the legacy benefits” for tourism and the local economy of holding the Olympics.

Last year, Team London, the LDA’s promotional unit, appointed Interbrand to help streamline its approach to marketing.

On Monday, VisitLondon launched its television station, London TV, as first reported by Marketing Week (MW March 11).