Iconic Lakeland travel company The Mountain Goat has announced the appointment of a new Managing Director in its 50th anniversary year.
Robin Tyson, who’s been with the company for ten years, takes up the role and also takes charge of its two subsidiaries, Windermere Information Centre and Mountain Goat Garage.
The appointment comes as long standing managing director Stephen Broughton retires from the position to become Chairman of the historic company.
Robin Tyson says: ‘Taking up the role as Managing Director of The Mountain Goat is a huge privilege. As a local lad, I remember its minibuses coming to the door of my parents guest house in Windermere to collect passengers for a fun day out. It’s an honour to now be leading such a well known and respected business in its Golden Jubilee year.”
Robin joined the company in 2012 in a Sales and Marketing role and became Operations Manager in 2016. He was promoted to Operations Director in 2018 and now takes on full responsibility for the companies.
During this period of 10 years, the company has opened up new Tour Operations in York, Manchester, Chester, and Liverpool. It took over the operation of the Windermere Gateway Tourist Information Centre in 2014, and acquired Chestnut Road Garage in Windermere from its proprietor, Chris Dobson in 2016.
“The last 10 years have been tough and exciting,” says Robin. “The Covid pandemic brought obvious challenges which the whole team tackled amazingly. I am delighted to be working along side such a dedicated bunch of people who all share the same objective of customer satisfaction.’
The Mountain Goat started life in 1972 when its first minibus set off on an inaugural trip over the Kirkstone Pass to Glenridding.
Since then, it’s flourished and now carries tens of thousands of passengers every year. It’s estimated The Mountain Goat buses have covered enough miles over the last 50 years to travel to the moon and back 40 times!
Stephen Broughton, retiring Managing Director, says: “The time is right for a new generation of tourism management to take the business forward. I wish Robin and the team every success taking the Mountain Goat forward and working with all its business colleagues in the industry.”
Stephen will stay on the Board as a Director and Chairman to provide ongoing support to Robin and his team. Sir Norman Stoller CBE, KStJ, DL retires from his role as Chairman after 29 years but will continue to provide support and encourage the company in the role of Honorary President.
The Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says: “It’s great to see that the future of this iconic Lake District company is in such good hands. We wish Robin and his team every success in taking the business forward. The Golden Anniversary is a special time for The Mountain Goat which has become an established feature of Lakeland life for tourists and residents alike. Stephen Broughton and Sir Norman Stoller have helped create a legacy of which they can be very proud.”
Nigel Wilkinson, the Managing Director of Windermere Lake Cruises, says: “We would like to offer our congratulations to Robin on his appointment as Managing Director of The Mountain Goat. The company has become a highly respected Lake District brand, both nationally and internationally, and we are sure it will continue to go from strength to strength under Robin’s leadership. In its Golden Anniversary year, Robin will be building on the solid foundations established by Stephen Broughton and Sir Norman Stoller and all those involved with The Mountain Goat over the last 50 years.”