Cumbria Vision chief executive's job axed to save money
Last updated at 12:24, Wednesday, 30 December 2009

The £90,000-a-year head of Cumbria Vision, the agency responsible for boosting the county’s economy, is leaving in a cost-saving shake-up.

Richard Greenwood will depart as chief executive tomorrow less than three years after his appointment. His job is being abolished.

County councillor Tony Markley, a member of the Cumbria Vision board, said the decision was amicable.

“It was by mutual consent,” Mr Markley said.

“We are restructuring. Richard has realised that Cumbria Vision needs to operate in a different way.”

The organisation, based at Penrith Business Park, was set up in 2005 as an offshoot of the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

But its role shrunk dramatically this year. Four so-called ‘delivery boards’ – including Carlisle Renaissance and West Lakes Renaissance – have taken over responsibility for regeneration in their areas.

That left Cumbria Vision with a more limited role.

Further cuts among its staff have not been ruled out.

The chief executive’s responsibilities are likely to pass to a director of operations on a lower salary.

Mr Markley explained: “We now have four delivery boards and the role for Cumbria Vision isn’t quite as big.”

Mr Greenwood became chief executive in February 2007, following a lengthy search to fill the vacant post.

He succeeded Chris Collier who resigned in March 2006.

Mr Greenwood moved to Cumbria from Gloucestershire where he was area director for the Learning and Skills Council for three years.

He has also worked for national retailers and distribution and steel stockholding businesses, and is a former chairman of Coventry Chamber of Commerce.

Taken from The News & Star / [Link] / [Back to top]