Adrian Waddell, Chief Executive of award-winning Business Improvement District, BID, company, NE1 Ltd has announced he is stepping down from the role, after 11 years with the company and three years as Chief Executive.
Adrian will remain in post for the next six months managing the company and the city’s transition into reopening, continuing to work with the NE1 team to ensure a smooth, orderly hand-over to his successor over the summer.
NE1 Ltd is half-way through its 3rd BID term and has worked throughout the COVID crisis to give a voice to businesses, lobbying Government for much-needed support for sectors hardest hit by lockdown restrictions and forward planning for the city’s return and reopening this summer.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the roadmap for the country’s reopening, and the welcome optimism this has created, Adrian considered it was an appropriate point to announce his intention to step down, giving plenty of time for the NE1 Board to appoint his successor before the BID renewal process begins in earnest from 2023.
Adrian Waddell said:
“This last year has been very challenging for city businesses, almost across the board. Now that we are hopefully over the worst NE1 is looking forward to the future and is in a strong position to tackle the challenges facing the city, post-COVID, along with making the most of the new opportunities that will undoubtedly emerge. With the path ahead looking more optimistic, it was the right time to step down, leaving the way clear for my successor to shape the next, exciting chapter for NE1 and the city.
“I think Newcastle is in a strong position, with lots of exciting things in the pipeline. We can be ambitious for the city’s future. NE1’s experienced team is well positioned to continue its important work with city centre businesses, and with the support of the NE1 board.”
Adam Serfontein, Chair of the Board of NE1 Ltd said:
“Adrian has been a passionate and committed Chief Executive who has done a great job navigating NE1 and the team through what has been one of the most difficult years in business history. In his role as Chief Executive and prior to that as Operations Director of NE1, he has accrued an impressive track record in delivering major milestone projects that have helped shape the city. NE1 and the city have benefited from Adrian’s passion and commitment and we wish him well for the future.”
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