The man who steered Europe's largest man-made lake to commercial success is stepping down.
John Lackenby is retiring from Northumbrian Water after 30 years. He hands over management of the leisure business to Sunderland University graduate David Hall.
Mr Lackenby, 53, began his career at Kielder Water in 1986, working to build the recreation facilities and develop commercial opportunities on and around the reservoir.
Today, the centre includes a holiday village and a conference centre.
He was awarded the MBE in 1996. In 1998, he became general manager of the water company's entire leisure business, responsible for more than 20 reservoir sites in Northumberland, Weardale, Teesdale, North Yorkshire and also others in the Essex and Suffolk area.
He said: "I will really miss working for Northumbrian Water. It has been very good to me and has been part of my life for so long it is just like an extended family."
His replacement, Mr Hall, 36, said: "John is a particularly tough act to follow but I am determined and passionate about the region and its economic development and I am relishing the challenge of my new role."
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