Castle’s boss steps down
THE boss of Nottingham Castle – who oversaw its £30m regeneration – has departed her role.
Sara Blair-manning had been at the head of the delivery of the project since 2019 and officially took up her role on September 27 that year.
She vowed to make the castle, which recently opened to positive reviews bar an unexpected closure and an alleged hate incident on August 17 last week, the most visited attraction outside of London.
Ms Blair-manning had formerly worked as the general manager of National Trust Properties in South Nottinghamshire and North Lincolnshire, including managing a number of sites including the acclaimed Workhouse at Southwell.
The Nottingham Castle Trust confirmed she departed her role as of August 13.
In a statement, Professor Ted Cantle CBE, chair of the Nottingham Castle Trust Board, said: “Nottingham Castle Trust Board can confirm the departure of Sara Blair-manning as chief executive of Nottingham Castle on Friday, August 13. “We would like to thank Sara and recognise all our colleagues for their dedication and continued hard work.
“Following a successful few months after launch, and one that we recognise also includes areas for learning and positive change, we are ready to build on what is truly an amazing asset to the city of Nottingham and one which adds to its reputation as a creative city.”
Robin Bischert has been appointed the interim chief executive.
According to Mr Bischert’s Linkedin profile, he has a lengthy history in tourism, including holding the role of chief executive for Visit Bath from 2004 to 2011.
He was then appointed interim chief executive of Visit Greenwich before becoming the director of the Isle of Man Department for Economic Development.
His last role was chairman of Rivers Fitness, which operates four leisure centres in Worcestershire, before moving to Nottingham.
Professor Cantle added: “We’re excited to announce the appointment of Robin Bischert as interim chief executive. Robin brings valuable experience of visitor attractions in other parts of the country and was the former chief executive of Visit Bath. His arrival provides us with the opportunity to quickly review what the castle currently offers and how to further implement positive change.
“Robin will be working with our great team and the trustees to ensure the whole of Nottingham can remain engaged with one of the country’s most important historic sites.”