Ed Cooke, chief executive of retail property organisation Revo, is stepping down from his role after 11 years with the professional body.
Revo has begun the search for his replacement. Cooke will remain in the role until a new chief executive is appointed, to ensure an orderly handover.
Before he was promoted to the chief executive role in 2016, Cooke was director of policy and public affairs at the organisation. He has also previously held policy adviser roles with the British Retail Consortium and the government.
He is additionally a non-executive director at The Camel’s Back, which has two subsidiaries: Treleavens Luxury Cornish Ice Cream and craft brewery Harbour Brewing Co.
Under Cooke’s leadership, Revo underwent a significant repositioning, including its rebranding from its previous moniker of the British Council of Shopping Centres.
He is also widely credited for strengthening its reputation and influence in the arenas of business rates, planning and high street infrastructure funding.
Cooke said: “Now is the right time for new leadership to steer the organisation through the next stages of its journey.
“There is much work to be done, but I have absolute faith that the future of our urban centres will be sustained, as they continue to adapt to changing consumer needs and lifestyles.”
Mark Robinson, president of Revo, said: “Over the last three years as CEO, Ed has been instrumental in leading a profound change in the purpose and role of Revo, including its rebranding and repositioning, ensuring it now represents our broadening membership as our industry goes through major structural change.
“A thorough search process is under way for a new CEO, who will lead the organisation, with the support of the board, through the next phase of its evolution, setting our strategic agenda and continuing to advocate on behalf of all our members.”
Founded in 1983, the group has more than 2,300 members ranging from sole traders to FTSE 100 companies, and organisations in the private and public sectors.
Its annual conference will take place in Liverpool later this month.
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