Myles Off — Visit Isle of Wight Managing Director Resigns In Face Of Tourism Downturn

Visit Isle of Wight has confirmed that Managing Director Will Myles has resigned from his role, bringing an end to his seven years leading the Island’s destination marketing organisation.

Mr Myles, who took up the post in 2018, helped guide the organisation through the challenges of the pandemic and oversaw the process of securing Local Visitor Economy Partnership status with VisitEngland.

In a statement, Visit Isle of Wight said:

“Will took on the post of Managing Director in 2018, guiding the business through the pandemic and overseeing the process to have it recognised as a Local Visitor Economy Partnership with VisitEngland.

"The Board of Directors thank Will for his work and will begin the process of recruiting a new leader of the Island's destination marketing organisation.”

His departure follows a period of significant change within Visit Isle of Wight.

A new board was recently elected after it emerged that required interim elections had not taken place when expected.

The organisation sought legal advice before proceeding with the delayed vote, which attracted more than 1,000 votes and resulted in the appointment of 12 new directors.

The previous chair, David Curtis-Brignell, also resigned with immediate effect.

Mr Curtis-Brignell, who took on the role in 2023, was praised by the organisation for bringing extensive national tourism experience from roles with the English Tourist Board, Visit Kent, Visit Hertfordshire, and Visit Isle of Man, as well as in the international hotel sector.

The leadership changes come as the Island faces ongoing challenges within its visitor economy.

It was recently confirmed that visitor numbers to the Isle of Wight had fallen year-on-year, with the key summer period between July and September 2025 recording a 3.7% decrease compared with the same months in 2024.

Recruitment for a new Managing Director is expected to begin shortly.