‘A challenge I very much look forward to’: New boss appointed to Make It York
The new boss of Make It York has been named today as Sarah Loftus.
Currently the chief executive of the Lincoln Business Improvement Group, Sarah will take charge of the organisation in December.
She succeeds the controversial former MD Sean Bullick, who left in March.
Since then, Make It York has been slimmed down. It has lost its inward investment role, which was taken back into City of York Council control, but still leads on tourism, city centre events and Shambles Market.
Previously Sarah was:
- head of the Lincoln Business Improvement Group
- corporate director for economic growth at Trafford Council
- service director for economic growth and strategic housing for Wakefield Council
- assistant director for the Humber region, Yorkshire Forward.
She will spearhead both a refreshed tourism strategy and the city’s new cultural strategy, and work with others to promote York to the region, nation and the world.
Chair of Make It York Greg Dyke said: “She has extensive experience in both the private and public sectors and she has lived in York part time for some years so she knows the city well.
“Sarah will also bring a wealth of invaluable experience from the work she has done in Lincoln, Wakefield and Humberside.”
Sarah said: “I believe I have achieved widespread professional recognition for my work in place management, economic development, regeneration, housing and cultural and community development.
“Joining Make It York is a challenge I very much look forward to and I believe I can bring innovative solutions to help create a strong and effective future for York.”