Marketing Lancashire chief executive departs for UCLan

Ruth Connor, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, is to leave the organisation in February to take on the role of executive director of strategic marketing for the University of Central Lancashire.

Connor was Marketing Lancashire’s first chief executive, and was appointed in 2012. Since that time she has led the organisation in its role to raise the profile of  Lancashire, driving interest and enquiries for business growth.

During this time a strong partnership has developed between Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, which has enabled the Marketing Lancashire team to promote the region at many events, including Lancashire’s first ever attendance at MIPIM UK and MIPIM in Cannes.

Connor said: “I have been very privileged to work with so many exceptional businesses and business leaders over the last 5 years and am pleased to be able to continue to work within the business community in Lancashire with my new role at UCLan.”

The board of Marketing Lancashire, led by the chairman Tony Attard, has begun the process to recruit a new chief executive. Attard said: “Under Ruth’s leadership Marketing Lancashire is now widely recognised as the county’s lead organisation for the promotion of Lancashire regionally, nationally and internationally.

“In her time as chief executive Ruth has implemented momentous change, developed a strong and effective team and improved performance through her “can-do” attitude and natural ability to forge strong relationships. I am very pleased that we are not totally losing the connection with Ruth as she takes up a key strategic role with one of our significant partners, and we wish her every success at UCLan.”

• Interested in hearing more about Lancashire? A free half-day conference, Invest in Central Lancashire, is due to take place on Thursday 1 March. Click here to book your ticket