post

Opportunity Peterborough Chief Executive to step down
Opportunity Peterborough Chief Executive to step down

Steve Bowyer, chief executive of economic development company Opportunity Peterborough, is to stand down from his role after nearly 12 years with the company, and 4 as its CEO. Steve will leave the organisation at the end of September to take up a new position as Chief Executive of InvestSK, a newly formed economic development company wholly owned by South Kesteven District Council.

Opportunity Peterborough was founded in 2005, originally as an urban regeneration company. In 2010 the company changed its remit to deliver the city’s economic growth agenda and has been a major catalyst for Peterborough’s economic success ever since. Steve, who joined the company in 2006, has held a number of positions within the organisation and has led some of the major initiatives in Peterborough that have helped to transform the city: from the revitalisation of Cathedral Square and attracting its new bars and restaurants, to leading the bid that secured £3M from InnovateUK as a future city demonstrator and put Peterborough onto the international Smart City map.

Announcing his decision to stand down, Steve said: “Leaving Opportunity Peterborough has been an incredibly difficult decision. I have had twelve fantastic years here, and learned so much, but I feel that now is the right time to take on a new personal challenge. It’s been an honour and a privilege to be part of such a forward-thinking, talented team and I’m very proud of all we’ve achieved. I wish the company well for the future and feel confident that my successor will lead the organisation into its next successful chapter.”

Chair of Opportunity Peterborough’s Board of Directors, Angus Kennedy, said: “Steve has been an excellent Chief Executive for Opportunity Peterborough and I’m sorry to see him go. The Board would like to thank Steve for his strong leadership and huge portfolio of achievements during his successful career at Opportunity Peterborough. He’s led the organisation through a challenging economic climate and been instrumental in a whole host of successes across the city.”

Councillor John Holdich, Leader of Peterborough City Council, who owns Opportunity Peterborough, added: “Opportunity Peterborough has really put the city on the map, helping to drive new investment to Peterborough and creating new jobs, and Steve has been a big part of that. I’d like to thank him for all his hard work and wish him well for the future.”

Following Steve’s departure, Opportunity Peterborough’s current Head of Economic Strategy and Partnerships, Tom Hennessy, will step up into the role of Acting Chief Executive and will work with Steve during the coming weeks to ensure continuity of service delivery. Tom has been with Opportunity Peterborough for four years and previously worked in Cambridgeshire County Council’s Economic Development Unit as well as having gained valuable experience within the private sector.