Chief Executive Officer

Our client, Lake District Holdings Ltd owns the various interests of the Wakefield family in Cumbria and North Lancashire. These interests broadly comprise:

• Ullswater Steamers
• Ravenglass & Eskdale 15 inch gauge railway
• 6 caravan parks and Tewitfield Marina – holding 650 static caravans and 110 self-catering and glamping units.
• Peter Rabbit and Friends/The Veg Patch retail business, plus The Veg Patch e-shop
• Rented property including 75 residential units, 4 farms, hotel and shops.

The family’s objective is for the business to be an influential player in the Cumbrian tourism industry contributing positively to the economy, community and environment of the region.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a multifaceted generational family business based in the Lake District. The Chief Executive Officer will lead the organisation into its next phase of growth, ensuring operational excellence across our business divisions while protecting and strengthening the company’s heritage and values. They will be responsible for setting strategy, driving profitability, building a strong leadership team, and fostering innovation while maintaining close alignment with the family owners’ vision.

The CEO will have responsibility for: developing and delivering a long-term strategy to achieve sustainable growth across all business units; overseeing day-to-day operations across caravan parks, leisure attractions, retail and property; driving efficiency, quality and customer service standards across all divisions; exploring new opportunities for business expansion, acquisitions and partnerships and acting as a guardian of the company’s reputation and culture.

• Have good experience of managing an organisation of similar scale and complexity.
• Have the ability to devise and relentlessly communicate the strategy.
• Have a good appreciation of the different dynamics that drive family land-based businesses.
• Have experience with family businesses and show an understanding of and sympathy with the aspirations of the Wakefield family.
• Have experience in relevant sectors including caravan parks, leisure, hospitality, property etc.
• Have an engaging personality and the ability to lead and develop a high-performance team.