Coast to Capital chief executive to retire

JPCT 180313 Coast 2 Capital, Ron Crank. Hurst Road, Horsham. Photo by Derek Martin ENGPPP00320130318125944

Ron Crank, of Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership will step down on December 31 having held the post since the body was set up in April, 2011.

He said: “I could not have asked for a better way to end what has been a long and rewarding career than to have had the opportunity to establish Coast to Capital and oversee negotiations with Whitehall which resulted in £238 million of investment in our region.

“I will look back over the past five years with great fondness and pride, but I believe that now is the right time to hand over responsibility to someone who will take the organisation forward from 2016 and see the investment programme successfully implemented.”

Mr Crank has had a varied career, from corporate life, running his own business and local government.

But despite his impending retirement, he hopes to take on several local directorships after an extended holiday.

C2C chairman Tim Wates said: “On behalf of the Coast to Capital board, our team and partners, I wish to thank Ron for his leadership and support. He was instrumental in the establishment of the LEP and has been a first class chief executive, working tirelessly for our region.

“Ron has steered us through some very challenging times and I thank him for all his work.”

Former chairman John Peel added: “I have worked closely with Ron for the last six years. He leaves a lasting legacy, with Coast to Capital in the best possible position to build on his achievements.

“Personally, I would like to thank Ron for his support, dedication and business acumen which will be missed by me, the board and everyone with whom he came into contact.”

The search for a successor will commence shortly.

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