Himor set for new MD as Jones leaves Oldham

Darren Jones, Oldham Council’s director of economic development, is to leave the local authority to join property company Himor Group as managing director.

Jones joined Oldham Council in a strategic role to help develop and deliver its regeneration programme in 2010.

He will take up his post at Himor Group in September.

Himor Group is owned by Will and Bill Ainscough. Will Ainscough is set to move from his current role as managing director to become executive chairman of the firm when Jones is in post.

Jones’ time at Oldham Council has seen him oversee various projects, including the conversion of the grade two-listed Old Town Hall into an Odeon cinema and restaurants, the Prince’s Gate at Oldham Mumps scheme, which includes M&S as its anchor tenant, plus the new Independent Quarter and Arts & Heritage Centre.

Jones said: “During my time at Oldham I’ve been fortunate to be able to work with three excellent council leaders, two superb chief executives and the most loyal, hardworking and dedicated team of officers you could wish for.

“Those staff are working tirelessly to transform Oldham into a better place for residents, investors and visitors. I have absolutely no doubts that great work will continue as Oldham is a vital player in the future growth and direction of Greater Manchester.

“I will miss all my colleagues, but am also looking forward to working with the Himor team.”

Will Ainscough said: “Darren will help us focus on complex brownfield projects and sustainable urban extensions where we work in partnership with landowners, local planning authorities and community groups; such as our flagship partnership with Trafford Council, where we are working to regenerate the 1,600-acre former Shell estate in Carrington which is one of the largest freehold sites in the North West.”

Before joining Oldham Council, Jones was previously director of development at the North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership. He also ran his own development company, Reflect Developments, for five years and spent 18 years at Orbit Developments.