The City Centre Management Company (CityCo) has appointed Manchester Arndale’s centre director as its new chair.
David Allinson will drive forward CityCo’s strategy to support Manchester and Salford’s economic growth in his new role at the independent, not-for-profit membership organisation.
He said: “I am delighted to be appointed as chair and very much look forward to working with the board and the CityCo team to build upon the good work already taking place and to develop new exciting initiatives.”
He will take over the role of CityCo chair from Bruntwood’s director of culture Kate Vokes, who has held the position since 2014.
Mr Allinson has been centre director for Manchester Arndale since 2012, where he is responsible for managing the 1.9 million sq ft of retail space, delivers business strategy and manages large multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
He has also previously held senior roles at Bass, BAA, Manchester Airports Group and Lendlease.
CityCo CEO Vaughan Allen said: “David’s extensive experience and connections will be invaluable in delivering our strategy to make Manchester and Salford better places to invest, work, visit and live.
“David joins us at an exciting time of growth for the company, and we will be looking to recruit a number of new directors in the near future.”
CityCo, which works with more than 1,000 companies from all sectors to bring them together with public agencies, also manages Manchester’s Business Improvement District.
Its members, which include NCP, Stagecoach, Deloitte, KPMG, Manchester Metropolitan University and The Royal Exchange, benefit from a range of business support including operational and security services, lobbying, working forums, and training.
CityCo has also appointed Bruntwood CEO Ciara Keeling to the board of directors and will make further appointments from within the CityCo membership to the board in the coming months.
