People: Senior departures at Urban Growth Company and Halfords
The Urban Growth Company (UGC) managing director, Huw Rhys Lewis, is leaving to join the economic development arm of Bexley Council.
Lewis, who previously worked at the City of London Corporation, has led the UGC in August 2016.
It has delivered the master-planning of the UK Central Hub, the growth and infrastructure plans for the area, and plans to redevelop Birmingham International Station.
Phil Farrell, development director at the UGC, will lead the executive team after Lewis’s departure later in the spring, until a successor is appointed.
Chairman of the UGC, Nick Brown said: “Huw has made a huge contribution to the early work and success of the Urban Growth Company. As a location, The Hub is now well established as a key site for inward growth and development along the garden city planning principles established by Solihull Council.”
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Halfords’ chief financial officer Jonny Mason is to leave the retailer to become group finance director at Dixons Carphone.
Mason will have been in the role for three years when he leaves at the end of his notice period in September.
He was interim chief executive for three months last year before Graham Stapleton’s arrival, following Jill McDonald’s departure to Marks and Spencer.
Halfords chairman Dennis Millard said: “We are grateful to Jonny for the positive impact he has made across the business and the crucial role he played as Interim Chief Executive prior to Graham Stapleton joining Halfords as CEO in January.
“Jonny will leave Halfords with a strong and highly regarded finance team. His contribution to The Moving Up A Gear strategy was significant and it continues to deliver momentum across the organisation.”
