Rochdale Development Agency chief steps down
THE chief executive of Rochdale Development Agency, John Hudson, is retiring after 22 years in the post.
Hudson became head of the RDA – the borough’s economic and business development agency – when it was created in 1993 to spearhead the economic and physical regeneration of the Rochdale borough.
He has had a leading role in helping the Rochdale Council and other public and private partners attract more than £1bn of economic investment.
Hudson was central to the creation of the 420-acre Kingsway Business Park, a major provider of jobs for borough residents.
He said: “The focus for the RDA and myself is always on the present and future rather than the past. However, after my retirement I will look back with pride and genuine affection on my working life in Rochdale borough and what has been achieved by our unique local partnership.”
RDA chairman Phil Ewbank said: “John helped establish the RDA and made it the great organisation it is today. Over the last 22 years there has been many changes but having someone of Johns’ calibre at the helm has ensured the Agency has met the challenges along the way.
