Haythornthwaite moves from NWDA to BBC North

THE Northwest Regional Development Agency’s deputy chief executive is to leave his post in the summer, and take up a new role with the BBC at MediaCity.

Ian Haythornthwaite, who is also director of finance and corporate resources at the NWDA, has been appointed director of finance and sports rights at BBC North. It is understood he will be based at the broadcaster’s new MediaCity base.

Mr Haythornthwaite said: “I feel privileged to have been part of so many projects and programmes that are making a real difference to the North West, particularly Ancoats in East Manchester and in supporting Cumbria through the recent floods.

“However, the time is now right for me to take on a new challenge and I’m very excited to become part of BBC North. I’ve always been an advocate for the North West, so this role is a great opportunity for me to continue to be part of something that will benefit the whole of the North.”

Mr Haythornthwaite has been in his current role at the NWDA since February 2004 and is directly responsible for the financial and operational arm of the agency, which includes facilities, finance, ICT, procurement and property.

The NWDA said succession arrangements for his post are currently under discussion and that a decision would be made shortly.

Steven Broomhead, NWDA chief executive, said: “Ian has made a major contribution to the agency over the past six years and his expertise, knowledge and approach will be a huge loss.

“Ian’s contribution to ensuring the successful delivery of agency projects and programmes has been extremely significant, and on a personal level, he has always been a great source of support. I know Ian will be a great asset to the BBC and wish him luck in this exciting new role.”

Before joining the NWDA Mr Haythornthwaite was the pro vice chancellor at the University of Central Lancashire, where he was responsible for regional strategy, business interaction, commercial and intellectual property exploitation and innovation.

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