MSIF chair, John O’Brien, stands down with immediate effect

John O’Brien has left his role as MSIF (Merseyside Special Investment Fund) chair, with immediate effect.

He has served the Liverpool-based funding provider for six years.

The board of MSIF expressed its thanks to him for his “significant contribution” since his appointment in 2017.

It said John’s tenure saw the group’s repositioning in the marketplace, including significant board and executive team recruitment.

It also included the strategic alignment of the LCR Finance Hub and the relaunch of the LCR Angel Network, with funding support from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

He was also instrumental in winning the £20m Flexible Growth Fund and has overseen cornerstone investment into funds such as the North West Equity Fund as well as the North West Business Growth Loan Fund.

Neil Ashbridge will act as interim chair.

MSIF said it continues to operate as usual.

Mr O’Brien spent more than 30 years at KPMG advising clients of all sizes including notable larger organisations such as Amec, Arriva, Ineos and United Utilities.

Alongside his role as MSIF chair, he has acted as owner and operator of Blue Group, mentoring senior managers, and prep’ing senior teams for key presentations and business opportunities.

Neil Ashbridge has extensive experience in the world of business and banking, spending 42 years working for the Bank of England.

He has held positions at the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce , the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce, University of Liverpool and Disability Sport Wales.

He was appointed to the MSIF board in 2018.