The chief executive of Swindon’s economic regeneration company Forward Swindon has resigned.
Ian Piper is leaving to join the Home and Communities Agency in a national role. No date has been given for his departure.
Mr Piper, pictured, joined Forward Swindon in September 2010 on an interim basis following the resignation of former chief executive Karen Walker and was later given the role on a permanent basis.
He was previously director of development & regeneration at the South West Regional Development Agency, which was then being disbanded.
He has since become the key figure in Swindon's economic regeneration, particularly the redevelopment of the town centre – getting some sceptical sections of the business community onside after years of mistrust,
In the four years since his appointment the largescale Kimmerfields urban regeneration has started along with a new master plan for the town centre.
Last year alone the work of Forward Swindon helped to realise more than £70m of private investment into the town.
Forward Swindon Limited was set up by Swindon Borough Council in 2010. It is funded by the council but is run independently with a private sector-led board.
He has also spearheaded Swindon's positioning as a centre for innovation, particularly around alternative fuel technologies, helping develop it as a key player in the UK's hydrogen highway.
Forward Swindon chair Alan Shepherd said: “Ian has led Forward Swindon through an exciting time for the company and for Swindon.
"During a challenging economic period Swindon has been one of the few places that has managed to retain and attract significant new inward investment to support our physical regeneration and secure our business base.
"Ian can be very proud of the key role he has played in this and on behalf of the Forward Swindon board I’d like to thank him for his commitment and dedication.”
Swindon Council cabinet member for economy, regeneration and skills Garry Perkins added: “Ian has led Forward Swindon incredibly well, instilling a real discipline to the work and ensuring there has been a clear focus on delivering results that benefit Swindon.
"I’d like to thank him for all his efforts and wish him well for the future. I look forward to working with the Forward Swindon board to build on the great work the company has done to date and ensure it continues to play a key role in securing the economic prosperity of the borough.”
Ian Piper said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Forward Swindon and am proud to have contributed to the increasingly positive and confident atmosphere in the town. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to lead the team at Forward Swindon who are dedicated to the future success and prosperity of Swindon. I would like to thank everyone for all the support they have given me and the team over the last four years.”
The Forward Swindon board will consider interim arrangements for the chief executive position at its next meeting.
