Popular member of Torbay's tourism industry dies suddenly aged 50

A well-known and respected member of the business community in Torbay and South Devon has died suddenly.

Pippa Craddock was a popular figure in the tourism and hospitality sector. She was 50.

One of her many roles was as a director of the English Riviera BID Company.

Chris Hart, chairman of the BID Company's board of directors, told the company's levy payers and strategic partners: "It is with great sadness that I am writing to let you know of the sudden death on Tuesday of one of our Board Directors, Pippa Craddock.

"Pippa will have been known to very many of you having been involved in the tourism sector in the Bay over several decades.  Formerly the Director of Marketing at Paignton Zoo for 20 years and more recently running her own independent business and marketing consultancy, Pippa developed an incredible skill set in strategic marketing, brand development and project management. 

"Those skills were put to excellent use in her support to the industry, serving as Vice Chair to the English Riviera Partnership, as a Director at the English Riviera Tourism Company, and then subsequently serving as a Director of the English Riviera BID during both the first and second BID terms. 

"More recently Pippa has been leading the delivery of the marketing strategy enabled by the additional South West Water funding, and also assisting with delivery of improved promotion and sponsorship of a number of events, including the English Riviera Airshow and the Bay of Lights."

He added: "Whilst Pippa’s tireless professional contribution has been immense, most of all she will be remembered as a true friend to us all.  Her death at the age of 50 is tragic, and she will be most sorely missed. "