Leeds BID appoints first permanent chief executive

THE Leeds Business Improvement District company has appointed Andrew Cooper as its first permanent chief executive.

He will oversee the BID as it invests more than £12 million in the city centre over the next five years.

He has been chief executive of the Bath BID since 2011, where he helped secure over £4m of economic investment in the UNESCO World Heritage city.

Before that, Andrew was the City Centre manager of Bath, and Town Centre manager of Stratford-upon-Avon. Earlier in his career, he cut his teeth at Boots’ head office in Nottingham, where he held a variety of posts.

Keith Ramsay, interim chief executive of Leeds BID said that Mr Cooper’s appointment marked an exciting first step forward. “Andrew’s extensive experience will be a tremendous asset for Leeds. He has a superb track record in working with businesses, running high performing organisations and delivering great results.”

Mr Cooper said: “The completion of Trinity and the development of Victoria Gate as well as offices on Whitehall and Wellington Street prove that this is a city with ambition and hunger to grow,” he said.

“Leeds has fantastic potential to improve further and become an even bigger player. I am coming without any preconceived ideas and a fresh eye which I hope will work in the city’s favour.”

The new chair of Leeds BID, Prew Lumley said: “Leeds BID is ambitious in its intent to raise standards and the profile of the city. It is a task that demands the highest calibre of individual.

“Andrew Cooper has already proved, as CEO of Bath BID, that he can communicate with all sectors and levels of business, respect their differing needs, yet challenge them to step outside their comfort zone to create a better city for the benefit of all its citizens.”