Chief executive of Welcome To Yorkshire Sir Gary Verity has resigned on health grounds with immediate effect.
Although not directly linked to Sir Gary’s resignation, concerns have been raised in relation to his behaviour towards staff and his expenses.
In a statement Welcome To Yorkshire said it took the allegations “very seriously”:
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The board has investigated these and concluded that Sir Gary made errors of judgement regarding his expenses at a very difficult time for him and his family.
Sir Gary has agreed to voluntarily reimburse Welcome to Yorkshire for monies owed.
Welcome to Yorkshire is committed to having a positive working environment and would like to thank all our staff for their continued hard work and dedication and look forward to working with them as the organisation progresses.
‘I have fallen short’
Leeds-born Sir Gary joined Welcome To Yorkshire in October 2008. He said tonight:
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Over the last ten and a half years I have always tried to set the highest standards of personal performance and leadership.
Where this has been achieved, I am grateful and when, on occasions, I have fallen short, I apologise.
My health is now my main priority. I ask for time and space to heal.
In their statement the board said it “would like to place on record its thanks to Sir Gary for the commitment and energy he has demonstrated during his ten years at Welcome to Yorkshire.
“Sir Gary has led the transformation of Yorkshire’s profile, most notably through the Grand Départ of the Tour de France in 2014 and the subsequent legacy of the Tour de Yorkshire, which have significantly boosted the county’s economy. We wish him well for the future.”
Ron McMillan, the tourist body’s chair, said: “It is very much business as usual for Welcome to Yorkshire beginning with Y19 on April 3 at The Royal Armouries in Leeds.
“Our tenth anniversary is shaping up to be our most exciting yet as we deliver an incredible programme of events and campaigns to continue to make Yorkshire a number one tourism destination.”