BCSC names new chief executive
John Coyne, former director of Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust and Liverpool FC, has been appointed to lead the influential trade body for the retail property industry.
Coyne replaces Michael Green who stepped down last year after 11 years as chief executive.
Coyne is currently interim managing director of Improving Health, a federation of 20 GP practices in Southwark. He was previously executive director for business development at Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust from 2013 to 2014. He is a non-executive director of two charities and the Community Housing Group in Kidderminster.
Coyne began his career in tourism working for Irish Ferries and then Stena Line as their Irish Sea director. In 1991 he took on the role of commercial director of Liverpool FC to broaden the financial and business development aspects of the football club.
His career included spells as commercial director of Action for Children, a national children's charity and as managing director of the Association of Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical Contractors.
BCSC has also announced the resignation of Suzi Clay, portfolio director at Land Securities, as vice president, as she is expecting a baby. Mark Bourgeois, executive director, Capital & Regional, currently junior vice president, will become vice president with immediate effect. Giulia Bunting, planning director at GL Hearn, has been announced as the junior vice president.
David Atkins, president, BCSC, said: "John brings a wealth of commercial and political experience gained across the public, private and charity sectors. Throughout his career, he has shown strong leadership and has significant change management expertise which will benefit the strategic review which he will continue to push forward.
"His experience of representative bodies combined with his clear skills in driving strategic vision, innovation and demonstrable commercial nous, make John a fantastic candidate to lead BCSC and drive our membership organisation forward meeting the challenges our industry faces.
"We are also sad that Suzi is standing down from her role as Vice President but wish her, and her growing family, our very best. I would like to personally thank her for her many contributions to BCSC and to me as President. It is a pleasure to welcome Mark as my Vice President and also to Giulia who joins the team as Junior Vice President."
Coyne said: "The BCSC has a strong reputation and significant support from leaders in the sector. I now have a great opportunity to lead the organisation at this exciting stage in its evolution. My focus will be to engage with the membership on what colleagues need from their industry body, and to promote to external stakeholders the valuable economic and social contribution of BCSC members to retail places across the UK."
Coyne is expected to take up his post on 1 June 2015.
