Manchester Central will have a new chief executive from 1 September following Lesley Tomlinson’s decision to quit the position.

Tomlinson will step down next month after six years in the role, but remains on the venue’s board. She is being replaced by Angie Robinson, the current CEO of Manchester’s inward investment agency MIDAS and a non-executive director for the past six years.

“I was delighted to be approached to take on such an exciting role,” Robinson said. “Lesley has handed me a fantastic team of people and a venue that is now the envy of the industry. Manchester Central is already on such a roll, I can’t wait to get on with pushing it even further.”

Tomlinson said the decision to step back was not an easy one. Her tenure included playing a leading role in the £30m redevelopment of the Manchester Central Convention Complex.

“I am really proud of what we have achieved over the last six years; the transformation of the building, the development of the brand and the hard earned reputation as a market leader,” she said. “It has been delivered through incredible team work and the commitment of the whole team.

“I was determined to handover to someone who shared my passion and enthusiasm for the business. Angie has been on the board of Manchester Central from the start, we've worked closely together and I cannot think of anyone better to 'carry on the mission'."

Chief executive of Manchester City Council Sir Howard Bernstein thanked Tomlinson for her contribution in repositioning Manchester Central and delivering economic results for the city through events.

"Lesley has been instrumental in providing the drive and the direction for that turnaround, as well as successfully delivering the carefully sequenced redevelopment that has transformed the venue into a conference destination of world-class standing,” he said.

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