Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, the business improvement district for the city's waterfront area, has reappointed its former chief executive.
Sarah Gibson previously held the position for a decade between 2010 and 2020. She is taking over from Jon Walton and will take up the role at the end of September.
She said: "I’m delighted to be returning to Plymouth’s waterfront and look forward to working once again with the board, the BID team, our waterfront businesses and partner organisations.
"We’ve significant opportunity in the strength of the Waterfront BID developed over fifteen years through its committed business community, whilst the exciting declaration of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park positions us uniquely in the Ƶ. I can’t wait to get started.”
The BID area encompasses businesses from Bretonside to the Royal William Yard and includes the Mount Batten peninsula.
Nick Buckland, chair of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, said: “Sarah brings with her not only direct experience of managing the BID from her previous time in role, but also wider knowledge and experience of place-making, stakeholder engagement and forming strong business relationships.
"As the BID enters its renewal period ahead of 2027, Sarah’s insights, tenacity and passion for the waterfront will be key ingredients to ensuring the BID’s continuing success.
"I’d like to thank both Jon Walton [previous CEO] for his time in role and wish him well for the future, and Kim Downer for stepping up into the interim CEO role from her role as deputy CEO during this recruitment process.”
Ms Gibson returns to Plymouth’s waterfront straight from her most recent role as manager of the Tamar Valley National Landscape, an area of 75 square miles of nationally important nature and heritage encompassing the Rivers Tamar, Tavy and Lynher and their surrounding communities.
The Plymouth Waterfront Partnership BID has been in operation since April 2012 and is delivered through Plymouth Waterfront Partnership - a not-for-profit organisation. The BID encompasses more than 960 businesses across four square miles of the Plymouth waterfront.
Plymouth Waterfront businesses voted in favour to renew the BID and it now operates until the end of March 2027.
Plymouth Waterfront Partnership works in close partnership with the Plymouth City Centre Company BID, Destination Plymouth and Plymouth City Council and is responsible for events across the waterfront each year including Plymouth Pirates Weekend, Seafest and the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch On.
