The Isle of Man’s oldest and most prominent leisure and hospitality group has appointed a new Group Marketing Manager.

Merita Taylor has joined Sefton Group plc, where she is responsible for management of the strategic and operational marketing activity for all of the brands within the company’s portfolio including the Best Western Palace Hotel & Casino, the Sefton Hotel, the Sefton Express Hotel, the Palace Cinema, Palace Bingo, Palace Slots, the Palace Health Club and Paragon Bar and Restaurant. She will also have a strong focus on the Group’s gaming proposition in her new role.

Merita has significant strategic marketing, communication, PR, brand management, event management and sponsorship experience gained in the UK, across the offshore Islands and internationally, and has worked for a number of blue-chip corporations in a broad range of sectors. She has a longstanding interest in motorcycle racing, and has managed brand activation campaigns for a number of the Isle of Man TT’s headline sponsors.

She has experience of working on both sides of the media, having reached senior management level as a national broadcast journalist in addition to her marketing experience, and holds professional qualifications in both areas.

Commenting on her appointment, Merita said: “Working with a Group that owns so many different brands operating across such a diverse number of sectors presents a real challenge, and one which I am looking forward to. I have joined Sefton Group plc at a very exciting time in its development, and I am very proud to be working for such an iconic Manx brand.”

Brett Martin, Sefton Group plc Chief Executive Officer, commented: “I am delighted to welcome someone with Merita’s experience to our senior management team. The leisure and hospitality sector on the Island is at an important stage of its development as we look not only to diversify and extend the tourist season, but also to create an exciting proposition for local residents. Merita will play a key part in this and I am looking forward to working with her.”

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