New CEO at Cairngorm Mountain

New chief executive for Cairngorm Mountain

An adventure sports and tourism specialist is set to take on the top job here at Cairngorm Mountain, one of Scotland’s leading outdoor attractions.

We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Mike Gifford as the company’s next chief executive.

Reporting to the board of the company, which is a subsidiary of development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Mr Gifford will have overall responsibility for day to day operations and strategic developments at the publicly-owned Cairngorm Estate, which covers 3,500 acres.

A key focus will be continuing the resort’s transition to a year-round attraction that offers a variety of  family-friendly outdoor activities and environmental education in all seasons, while maintaining snowsports as the core winter activity.

An experienced ski, paddle sports, mountaineering and mountain biking instructor, Mr Gifford was born in Aberdeen and educated at Keith Grammar School.

After leaving school, he worked for four years as an outdoor instructor in Glencoe before returning to full-time education at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he gained an honours degree in outdoor and leisure studies.

Following graduation, Mike joined Aberdeen City Council, leading a range of outdoor learning and adventure activities including provision for pupils with additional support needs.

From 2010 to 2014, he worked as a fire fighter with Grampian Fire and Rescue Service while also setting up and running his own outdoor activities business, Adventure First Ltd.

Mr Gifford’s next move was to Sport Aberdeen, which he joined in 2014 as Adventure Aberdeen manager, leading a multi-disciplinary team delivering a diverse range of outdoor adventure activities.

He held this post for almost nine years before taking on his most recent role, as business and operations manager for community organisation Huntly Development Trust.

Peter Mearns, chair of Cairngorm Mountain, said the new chief executive would be instrumental in shaping a successful future for the resort.

“This is a time of great opportunity for Cairngorm Mountain,” said Mr Mearns. “In Mike Gifford, we are confident that we’ve found an excellent leader to start a new chapter and take the business forward.

“In addition to his business and sporting experience, he has impressive skills in leadership, financial management and stakeholder engagement, all of which will be invaluable at Cairngorm.

“Over the past few years, we have put a lot of effort into enhancing our customer offering with mountain biking and carting, child-friendly tubing slide and play areas, guaranteed snow for beginners, and enhancements to the car park, Ptarmigan building and viewing platform.

“That commitment to quality will stand us in good stead and continue to be a hallmark of our approach to developing Cairngorm’s potential.

“I’d also like to thank all our loyal customers who have continued to support Cairngorm through a very challenging period and hope they will join the board in wishing Mike every success.”

Mike Gifford said he was greatly looking forward to taking up his new appointment.

“Cairngorm  Mountain is already a great asset for the local area and for Scotland, and I look forward to helping the business grow even stronger in future.

“I’m very conscious that the mountain and the wider estate have a special place in the hearts of local people, sports enthusiasts and visitors of all ages and abilities.

“Becoming chief executive is a big responsibility, but I’m delighted to be taking it on and excited to be working with the fantastic team here to make Cairngorm Mountain all it can be for present and future generations of customers.”

HIE area manager Audrey MacIver said: “Cairngorm Mountain is both a significant local employer and a key player in the tourism sector, which drives wider economic activity across Strathspey and Badenoch.

“Our Cairngorm Masterplan, published in 2021, presents an ambitious 25-year vision for the estate and Cairngorm Mountain will continue  to play a central role in making that vision a reality.

“We are very much looking forward to working with Mike and the board and staff of CMSL to make the most of Cairngorm’s potential as an important environmental, economic and sporting asset that benefits the local community and visitors alike.”

Mr Gifford will take up his new role at Cairngorm Mountain on 16 June.