JAMES Mason, the CEO of Welcome to Yorkshire, is leaving the role after less than two years in the post.
Mr Mason took the helm in December 2019 at the end of a torrid year for the tourism body which saw its former CEO Gary Verity resign amid questions over his expenses, followed by the resignation of chairman of the board, Ron McMillan.
Read more: New Welcome to Yorkshire boss says role is 'an honour'
Welcome to Yorkshire announced today that Mr Mason is set to leave the organisation to take on a new position in the new year.
He will stay in post until October, 22 giving him time between to expand a Dementia Cafe he helped launch in Bradford 2018.
He said: "I’m honoured to have held this position and to lead a team of talented hard-working people.
"I’d like to express my gratitude to them all along with the many wonderful people across Yorkshire I’ve met in this role.
Welcome to Yorkshire CEO James Mason and Yorkshire Cancer Research CEO Dr Kathryn Scott pictured in June
"It has been a privilege to work with you all, to promote Yorkshire to the world and stand shoulder to shoulder with you through a pandemic.
"I only wish the organisation well going forward and most importantly the thousands of businesses that make Yorkshire so unique."
Mr Mason said that whilst working conditions were 'difficult at times' due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was plenty he was proud of such as the ‘Walkshire’ campaign, the launch of a personal membership and tree planting scheme, as well as the implementation of a Tourism Recovery Plan.
He said: "The brief when I joined was to guide Welcome to Yorkshire towards steadier waters and drastically reduce costs.
"We achieved this despite all the restrictions we faced and never stopped innovating or striving for excellence.
"I’d like to thank everyone for their involvement in trying to bring the Tour de Yorkshire back especially our local authority partners with their continued commitment.
Read more: Month-long 'Walkshire' fundraising target is doubled
"These high-profile events will return to the region when the time is right.
“The decision to leave wasn’t an easy one as I have really enjoyed the role but I’m excited about putting my energy into my new role."
Chair of Welcome to Yorkshire, Peter Box CBE said: “We would like to thank James for the commitment and energy he has demonstrated during a particularly turbulent time for tourism and for the organisation.
"When James joined as chief executive almost two years ago there were many challenges to deal with.
"A positive plan was put in place to continue showcasing Yorkshire to the world and despite the COVID-19 pandemic adding a new and unexpected level of challenges for the tourism industry, James tackled all issues head-on and worked tirelessly.
"He embraced all aspects of the role passionately and with creativity. A board meeting will be arranged to discuss the next steps for Welcome to Yorkshire.
"We would like to wish James and his family well for the future.”
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