PROMOTION of Kent as a great place for holiday breaks is set for a shake-up following a tourist chief's shock resignation.

Ross MacCulloch, an African-born Antipodean, has quit as chief executive of Kent Tourism Alliance (KTA).

KTA is a £1.5m a year agency based in Canterbury that has widespread support from tourism businesses across the county. It aims to boost the multi-million pound tourist industry in the county and safeguard the jobs of thousands of people who depend on its success.

But it faces tough competition from rival areas and has to work hard to maintain visitor numbers following the setbacks of 9/11, BSE and Sars.

Mr MacCulloch's replacement is Sandra Matthews-Marsh, the former customer services director at Leeds Castle and, until recently, its acting chief executive.

Fran Warrington, Kent Head of Tourism, is being seconded from Kent County Council to join the KTA team at Canterbury to create what is being called a "one stop shop" for tourism businesses.

Mr MacCulloch, who has spent two years in the job, said he wanted to move into consultancy.

He said: "I have enjoyed my time at the Kent Tourism Alliance, and the support I have received from my marketing team and board.

"It has been an incredibly busy, but successful two years for this new organisation. I am looking forward to the new challenges of working in the consultancy field and building on the experience I have gained."

The father-of-three was born in Kenya, the son of a United Nations official, and spent most of his early days in New Zealand.

His appointment was controversial when he was preferred to Cheryl Mvula, the first chief executive, who had expected to be confirmed in the job after being given huge media exposure. She had to step down to marketing director and later left the organisation.

KTA is backed to the tune of around £1.5m a year from private and public sector organisations, including Eurotunnel and KCC.

KTA chairman Bill Dax was managing director of Eurotunnel's shuttle operations until May. The ousting of the Kent-led Eurotunnel board and replacement by French bosses has cast doubt over the continued high level of funding for KTA from the Channel Tunnel operator.

Mr Dax welcomed the appointment of Ms Matthews-Marsh and Ms Warrington.

He said: "Leeds Castle is a strong supporter and investor in the Kent Tourism Alliance and we are lucky to have attracted the services of someone who is not only very familiar with the KTA, but also has a long association with Kent tourism.

"Fran Warrington has worked determinedly at Kent County Council over the past years to spearhead a clear and effective future for the organisation supporting tourism in Kent and this is another key milestone in achieving this goal."

Before joining Leeds Castle, Ms Matthews-Marsh was marketing director for the South East England Tourist Board.

She said: "The opportunity at KTA will enable me to strategically plan the future of the Alliance together with the KTA's chairman Bill Dax, the head of Kent Tourism Fran Warrington, the KTA team and all of the partners involved with the success of this exciting initiative."