Michelle Baillie to Leave Role as Managing Director of Cornish Gems

Cornish Gems has confirmed that its Managing Director, Michelle Baillie, is leaving the business after four and a half years. Michelle has accepted a new role that will allow her to be closer to home and family.

Four and a Half Years at the Helm

Michelle joined the company in 2021 as Commercial Director, later stepping up to Managing Director in 2023. During her time with the luxury holiday letting specialist, she helped shape the culture of the business and led key strategic work across several departments.

Her role included expanding the technology department, strengthening commercial relationships with major travel trade partners and supporting the company’s sustainable tourism efforts. Cornish Gems was recognised this year when it won the Country & Town House Future Icons Award for Responsible Travel Experiences in the UK.

Michelle’s Next Chapter

Michelle will leave Cornish Gems in January to join Hoseasons as Director of Owner Success and Growth.

She said: “My time at Cornish Gems has been incredibly rewarding. Together we’ve driven growth, innovation and earned repeated recognition for responsible travel. While I’m excited to take on a new role closer to home and family, I leave proud of what we’ve achieved and confident in the business’s bright future.”

Cornish Gems Pays Tribute

Cornish Gems Co founder, Nadia Macer Wright, thanked Michelle for her contribution to the business.

Nadia said: “Michelle has been an extraordinary leader, shaping Cornish Gems to what it is today. We are immensely grateful for her contributions and wish her every success in her exciting new chapter. She will be greatly missed by us all.”

Nadia continues to be supported by an experienced Non Executive Director Board, including Mike Talbot, Director of The HR Dept for West and Central Cornwall, Ian Dibb, co founder of The Cornish Diamond Company, Daniel Riches, Director at chartered accountancy firm The Peloton, and international Chief Marketing Officer and Strategy Director Johnny Morris.

Continued Growth Ahead

The company also welcomed Nick Wylie as Brand Director in July, a new leadership role within the marketing team to support Cornish Gems’ growth trajectory.