Ex-Virgin man is new London tourist chief

The London Tourist Board (LTB) has appointed the man who launched Virgin Radio as its new chief executive.

David Campbell, 43, who also co-founded the Ginger Media Group with Chris Evans, will be paid £250,000 for his role, with the prospect of a 20% bonus taking him up to £300,000, almost three times the amount mayor Ken Livingstone earns.

Campbell will oversee the LTB's name change to VisitLondon and will be responsible for the Totally London campaign, which is designed to tempt tourists back to London's hotels, restaurants and other attractions.

He is also expected to play a key part in backing the capital's bid for the 2012 Olympics.

A former marketing manager for Pepsi Cola, Campbell was the man behind the worldwide launch of Diet Pepsi in the 1980s and is currently chairman of a company called Zenith Entertainment. He takes up his post on 9 June.

Mayor Livingstone said: "My VisitLondon plan enhanced the funding of tourism to £7m over two years; I have also outlined the need for £15m to recover tourism from the current downturn, £3.8m of which is funding Totally London month.

"I look forward to working with David on implementing my vision for this crucial industry."