Marketing Lancashire CEO takes up university role
Ruth Connor, the chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, is to leave the organisation in February to take on the new role of executive director of strategic marketing for the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
Connor was appointed the first CEO of Marketing Lancashire in 2012 and over the last five years has led the organisation in its role to raise the profile of ‘brand Lancashire’, driving interest and enquiries for business growth.
A range of activities under Connor’s leadership have included Lancashire’s first ever attendance at MIPIM UK and MIPIM Cannes, the world’s leading property market, the development and launch of the Lancashire Economic Narrative and #WeAreLancashire campaign, the Lancashire Advanced Manufacturing and Energy Cluster Enterprise Zones’ positioning, Lancashire’s largest ever presence at the Paris Air Show and driving tourism numbers to a record 67 million visitors with an additional seven million visitors, £1bn of spend and 5000 additional jobs delivered in the last five years.
Connor said: “I have been very privileged to work with so many exceptional businesses and business leaders over the last 5 years and am pleased to be able to continue to work within the business community in Lancashire with my new role at UCLan.”
UCLan deputy vice-chancellor Liz Bromley said: “I’m looking forward to Ruth joining the team particularly in such exciting and transformational times for the University. UCLan has a strong heritage and an ambitious agenda for the future and Ruth’s role helps support the University’s strategic priorities and continued global success.”
The board of Marketing Lancashire, led by the chair Tony Attard, has begun the process to recruit a new chief executive.
Attard said: “Under Ruth’s leadership Marketing Lancashire is now widely recognised as the county’s lead organisation for the promotion of Lancashire regionally, nationally and internationally.
“In her time as chief executive Ruth has implemented momentous change, developed a strong and effective team and improved performance through her “can-do” attitude and natural ability to forge strong relationships. I am very pleased that we are not totally losing the connection with Ruth as she takes up a key strategic role with one of our significant partners, and we wish her every success at UCLan.
“As a board we are grateful to Ruth for her dedication and commitment to Lancashire and we look forward to building on Ruth’s excellent work with her successor and the talented team at Marketing Lancashire.”
