Aarosin replaces Dick at Hull and East Yorkshire Bondholders

JIM Dick, the former Smith & Nephew executive who has helped private sector-led organisation Hull and East Yorkshire Bondholders rapidly grow its membership, is stepping down as chairman.

Mr Dick is to hand over the reins to Peter Aarosin, the managing director of Danbrit Holdings and Danbrit Shipping and chief executive of RMS Group, which has port operations in Hull, Goole, Immingham, Grimsby and Scunthorpe.

Mr Dick has helped to expand the Bondholders, which aims to raise the profile of Hull and East Yorkshire and attract investment to the area, after stepping in to save the organisation following the closure of urban regeneration company Hull Forward.

Mr Aarosin will take up the position on March 1.

Mr Dick, a former president of healthcare giant Smith & Nephew’s Hull-based Global Wound Management division, said: “The Bondholders has gone from strength to strength and I believe that now is the right time to make this change.

“There is so much going on. We are seeing huge investments in renewable energy and related industries; the Humber LEP is now well established; the Government has backed Hull and the Humber’s City Deal bid; and Lord Heseltine has begun his review of the region’s economy. This is our time”.

Since the Bondholders relaunch in November 2010, the scheme has increased membership from 130 to 172 companies and other organisations. 

Mr Aarosin said: “I am looking forward to taking up this position and to playing my part in ensuring the region takes full advantage of the very exciting opportunities ahead of us.

“The Bondholders is a fantastic organisation which is business-led and business-focused. As a member I have been very impressed with the number and diversity of companies involved.”

Paying tribute to Mr Dick, Mr Aaorsin said: “To follow in Jim’s footsteps is quite a task. I have been amazed by how much he has been involved in and has achieved. He has been a real driving force.”