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Chief Executive Officer, TREBAH GARDEN TRUST
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Trebah Garden: Chief Executive Officer Opportunity
Trebah Garden is one of Cornwall’s most treasured visitor attractions and one of the finest subtropical gardens in the world. Welcoming more than 113,000 visitors each year, Trebah combines horticultural excellence with a thriving charitable and commercial operation encompassing retail, catering, events, education, and membership.
We Are Seeking an Outstanding Chief Executive Officer
Trebah is financially strong, operationally mature, and highly respected, so this is not a role requiring major transformation. Our next Chief Executive will build on these strong foundations, providing inspirational leadership to a talented team and ensuring that this remarkable charitable organisation continues to flourish for generations to come.
Role Overview
Reporting to the Chair and Council of Management, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of the organisation. You will act as the public face of Trebah, fostering strong relationships with visitors, members, volunteers, partners, and stakeholders, while maintaining an unwavering focus on delivering an exceptional visitor experience, organisational sustainability, and charitable impact.
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Key Requirements
- Experienced, values-led leader with strong commercial judgement and excellent people leadership skills.
- Background in tourism, hospitality, leisure, heritage, culture, retail, or another customer-focused environment.
- Ability to lead people, manage complex operations, and balance commercial success with organisational purpose.
Why Trebah?
This is a rare opportunity to lead a nationally recognised destination, successful charity, and dedicated team in one of the most spectacular working environments in the country. Few leadership roles offer the chance to combine commercial success, environmental stewardship, and community impact in such a unique setting.
Application Process
For full details, please download the candidate brief and contact Anna Jay, Managing Director of Public Leaders Appointments for a confidential discussion.
How To Apply
In order to apply, please submit a CV supported by a covering letter of no more than 3 sides of A4. Your cover letter should outline your motivations for applying, and highlight how your skills, knowledge, and experience meet the requirements of our new CEO. Applications to be submitted to applications@publicleadersappointments.com by midday on Tuesday 4 August 2026 with reference ‘Trebah’. (Applications must include a focused cover letter in order to be considered).
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Please also provide contact details for two professional references. Referees should be people who can comment authoritatively on you as a person and as an employee or and will not be contacted without your prior consent.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Equality, diversity, and inclusion are all integral to our organisational ethos and values. It is critically important to us that every Trebah employee works in an inclusive environment which has a culture of mutual regard and respect. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
Closing Date: Midday, 4 August 2026
Interviews: 8, 9 and 10 September 2026
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