THE chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough, Neil Darwin, is to take up a 12-month secondment as director for enterprise and skills for the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership.

Commenting on his new position, Mr Darwin said, “The opportunity to undertake this role with the Enterprise Partnership is a very positive move both for Peterborough and me personally. I’m proud of Opportunity Peterborough’s achievements and the relationship we have built with the business community and look forward to the company’s continued success.”

To ensure stability and business as usual, together with the continuation of Opportunity Peterborough’s successful delivery of its business plan, Steve Bowyer, head of economic development at Opportunity Peterborough, will step in as acting chief executive of the company. These changes will take effect in early June 2014.

Mr Bowyer said, “Neil and I have worked closely together during the last four years and have delivered some fantastic achievements for the city. I look forward to building further on our successes by delivering Opportunity Peterborough’s business plan and continuing to support local companies and Peterborough’s growth.”

Opportunity Peterborough chairman and Enterprise Partnership board member John Bridge, said, “It’s testament to the success, vitality and professionalism that Neil has brought to Opportunity Peterborough that the Local Enterprise Partnership has seconded him to a key role for the larger geographic area for the next 12 months.

“The strength and depth of the team at Opportunity Peterborough can be illustrated by the appointment of Steve Bowyer as acting chief executive during that period, and the positive contribution of Opportunity Peterborough to the city’s economy will continue to be delivered through Steve’s leadership of the organisation.”