A woman with more than 15 years' experience in the international drinks and hospitality industry has joined the board of tourism firm Visit Kent.

Joanna Richardson, who was made head of marketing, brands and communications at Faversham-based Shepherd Neame in 2018, previously held senior marketing and business development roles in Bacardi, Pernod Ricard and Edrington, in Lisbon, Helsinki, Glasgow, and London.

She is credited with leading and developing a marketing strategy at Shepherd Neame to recruit new audiences, championing a commercially-focused digital approach and pioneering a new social media strategy, as well as playing

a key role in award-winning hospitality mentoring initiative Plan B.

She moved to Canterbury in 2018 and joins the organisation, which promotes the county's attractions to a global audience, at a time when the hospitality and tourism sector is looking to the future after being hard hit by restrictions.

Visit Kent chief executive, Deirdre Wells OBE, said: “We are delighted to welcome Joanna to the board of Visit Kent. Her marketing expertise and role in one of the largest businesses in the Kent visitor economy will be hugely supportive as we work to rebuild the tourism industry post-Covid.”

Visit Kent chairman, Bill Ferris OBE, added: “The Visit Kent team is committed to plotting a vibrant and sustainable post pandemic recovery, with our active and engaged board supporting the brilliant team. Joanna will add greatly to that dynamic.”

On her new appointment, Joanna said: “I am delighted to join the board of Visit Kent at a time when rebuilding the visitor economy and consumer confidence in the fantastic experiences Kent has to offer is so important.”

For more business news across Kent click here

For more news on the hospitality sector in Kent click here