The chief executive of Bruntwood SciTech is to step down after two years.
Phil Kemp said he plans to pursue a portfolio career after the pandemic created “a moment of reflection” for him.
As the Ƶ's largest property partnership focused on science and tech, Bruntwood SciTech's portfolio includes Alderley Park, Manchester Science Park and Circle Square.
Mr Kemp, who will step down at the end of September, will remain in the business in an advisory capacity for six months to support the existing leadership team, he said.
Kate Lawlor, Bruntwood SciTech’s finance director, will become interim chief operating officer, supported by executive chair Chris Oglesby.
Mr Kemp said: “Though it was always my intention to open a new chapter of my working life in 2021, the pandemic created a moment of reflection for me as it has for so many others.”
He said he is “immensely proud” of achievements made in the first two years of Bruntwood SciTech.
He said: “We’ve invested significantly in the expansion of all our campuses to meet increasing demand such as bringing forward the development of No3 Circle Square, securing planning permission for Citylabs 4.0, the re-development of Base at Manchester Science Park, completing Glasshouse at Alderley Park and announcing the development of Enterprise Wharf at Innovation Birmingham.
“We’ve also grown our network during the lockdown, acquiring a 25 per cent stake in Sciontec Livepool and have made a number of other significant investments as part of our expansion plans that we should be able to reveal soon.”
He added: “The last few months in particular have been a personal highlight in my career as we developed the Lighthouse Lab Covid-testing facility at Alderley Park in just a matter of weeks.
“It underlined the huge importance of the Ƶ’s science and technology sectors at the most critical of moments.”
Mr Oglesby said Mr Kemp’s departure is 'bitter-sweet'.
“He has played such a significant role in the formation and success of Bruntwood SciTech over the last two years, but we are thrilled to be supporting the next phase of his journey as he establishes a portfolio career with a focus on working with social enterprises and business mentoring.”
He continued: “He leaves Bruntwood SciTech in a fantastic position.
“It remains the Ƶ’s only dedicated science and technology property platform, nurturing a network of thriving innovation districts with a growing reach across the country.
“We’re ready to push on with the next phase of its ambitious plans and look forward to welcoming a new CEO in the months ahead.”
