New Chair and Board Members Appointed at Cairngorm Mountain

December 11th, 2025.

CMSL Board Appointment

Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd (CMSL) has appointed a new chair and two new directors following an open recruitment process. Mark Tate, former chief executive of the Cairngorms Business Partnership, will take over as chair from Peter Mearns in January 2026, who has served on the board in the role for seven years.

The two new directors are former Winter Olympian Lesley McKenna and Mountaineering Scotland snowsports director Alistair Todd joining the board for three-year terms from January 2026.

HIE chief executive Stuart Black welcomed the appointments and thanked outgoing chair Peter Mearns and director Andy Burgess for their valuable contribution over the years, noting the new appointments will broaden the experience and skills of the board.

Chief Executive at Cairngorm Mountain, Mike Gifford, said:

“I’m very pleased to congratulate Mark on his appointment as chair of the CMSL board and to welcome Lesley and Alistair into their new roles. I look forward to working closely with the new board team as we move ahead.

 

“These appointments strengthen the board and broaden the collective expertise and perspectives that will guide the company’s future direction and support strong governance.

 

“On behalf of Cairngorm Mountain Scotland Ltd, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Peter Mearns, who has served as chair since January 2019, and to director Andy Burgess, who is stepping down after six years.

 

“Both Peter and Andy have provided outstanding support and leadership during a period marked by significant operational pressures and change. We are extremely grateful for everything they have contributed and wish them both well in the years ahead.”

Mark Tate runs his own company supporting businesses in the Highlands and holds a number of non-executive director and trustee positions, including voluntary roles at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the Aviemore and Glenmore Community Trust.

Previously Mark spent 20 years with HSBC Bank, including senior leadership positions in Scotland and Kazakhstan. After moving to the Highlands, he led Community Broadband Scotland for HIE before moving on to become CEO of the Cairngorms Business Partnership. He has also been a board member and chair of High Life Highland.

Mark said: “I truly appreciate Cairngorm’s special place in the community and am absolutely delighted to be entrusted as chair of Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Ltd.

“As chair, I want to support the team at CMSL to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the business whilst helping shape a future where Cairngorm continues to inspire visitors, supports our economy, strengthens our communities and enhances nature.

“Cairngorm Mountain is central to the year-round visitor economy in the national park, particularly in Badenoch and Strathspey, as a place that delivers real economic, social and cultural value for the people who live and work here.

“It is vital that we now build a future for a sustainable business that is not reliant on the public purse, while recognising the importance of this national asset and the public good it creates. It is a privilege to contribute to the next chapter in the story of Cairngorm Mountain.”

Lesley McKenna has been a member of Cairngorm Mountain Trust for eight years and is the current chair of the organisation. 

Lesley grew up skiing on Cairn Gorm and was the first person from the UK to compete in snowboarding at the Winter Olympics. A competitor in three Winter Olympics, she also led the GB Park and Pipe Team that won three bronze medals in the 2014 and 2018 events.

In addition to 30 years’ competing and coaching in high performance sport, Lesley has a wealth of experience in finance and business management, governance and stakeholder engagement. 

Lesley said: “Cairngorm Mountain has played a huge part in both my professional and recreational life.

“The amazing Cairngorm Mountain and wider community had a pivotal role in my personal athletic success and I believe that the same exceptional community can continue to play an important and influential part in the lives of everyone who is able to spend time there.

“I am thrilled to be supporting the team at CMSL to make the most of opportunities for Cairngorm Mountain to make a positive difference in the lives of both locals and visitors.”

Alistair Todd is a widely experienced mountaineer who is the current snowsports director on the board of Mountaineering Scotland and chair of the Snowsports Touring Advisory Group. He is also a past president of the Inverness Backcountry Snowsports Club.

Alistair has over 30 years of customer-facing experience in retail, commercial and operational roles – much of it gained while managing a subsidiary of a well-known energy company – as well as extensive health and safety knowledge.

Alistair said: “Located on the sixth highest mountain in the UK, Cairngorm Mountain is a resort that has been enjoyed for decades by both local residents and visitors from the central belt and much further afield.

“My vision is that the business continues to develop a range of appropriate year-round activities, attractions and facilities that recognise and reflect its unique location, with snowsports very much remaining at its heart.”

Cairngorm Mountain, publicly owned through HIE, is one of Scotland’s most significant outdoor and tourism destinations, offering year-round activities including snowsports, mountain biking and guided walks, with Scotland’s only funicular railway  which offers stunning views and provides access to the upper slopes for snowsports and guided walks. The board plays a vital role in setting the strategic direction of the operating company, ensuring strong governance, and overseeing operational performance.

From 1 January 2026 the CMSL board will comprise: Mark Tate (Chair), Jaci Douglas, Tim Hurst, Bill Lobban, Inglis Lyon, Lesley McKenna and Alistair Todd. A representative of HIE also attends board meetings as an observer. 

Read the full statement from HIE here.