CCI boss Andrew Thomas quits

Prof Andrew Thomas, chief executive of the Centre for Construction Innovation North West, has left the organisation to 'pursue other interests'.

Salford University announced that Thomas has left the School of the Built Environment after ten years, stepping down from his roles as associate head for enterprise and chief executive of the school's Centre for Construction Innovation and Centre for the Urban Built Environment, Cube, based on Portland Street.

The university said in a statement: "Andrew has led and developed both CCI and Cube into one of the UK's leading centres for the built environment, combining industry engagement and enterprise with industry best practice and the take up of the Rethinking Construction agenda."

Prof Mike Kagioglou, head of the school of the built environment, said: "I would like to thank Professor Thomas for his contribution during his time with CCI/School and the university. He leaves with our very best wishes for the future and I am sure colleagues will join me in this."

Roy Stewart, operations director for CCI, will become chief executive of CCI. Stewart commented: "It is with great sadness that CCI say goodbye to Andrew – as well as a respected colleague, Andrew has been a great friend to everyone at CCI and I know everyone here wishes him well for the future."

Prof Peter McDermott and Steve Jessop remain as directors of CII and, with finance manager Andrew Schofield, will support Stewart in the running of CCI.

The NW Construction Knowledge Hub, a European Regional Development Fund project managed by CCI and the University of Salford, is managed by Tony Baldwinson and Tim Whitehill, who has been brought in as outputs manager.

Both Katy Harris and Dr Vicky Hutchinson have been promoted to Senior Project Managers and will continue to lead CCI procurement and performance measurement respectively.

A spokesman for CCI said Thomas had left to 'pursue other interests'. He was unavailable for comment when contacted by Place.