Sunday October 6 2024
Swindon & Wiltshire News
Forward Swindon, the agency tasked with leading the regeneration of, and attracting investment to the town, has confirmed the appointment of Alan Shepherd at the new board chairman.
Alan brings extensive private sector experience working for companies such as Kraft Foods, Sainsbury’s and LloydsTSB.
He currently works for the UK Hydrographic Office as director of products, services and strategy, and lives north of Swindon. He knows Swindon well and has a particular interest in the regeneration of the town, and its improvements in the retail sector.
Forward Swindon said the previous chairman, Robin Bailey, has decided to resign from the board due to other commitments, while Mark Beard, managing director at Beard Construction has also stepped down after being a board member since October 2011.
Alan said: “I am looking forward to leading this enthusiastic team, and I’m confident that the chief executive Ian Piper and his staff at Forward Swindon, are on the right path to achieving their aim to regenerate the town and boost the local economy. My role is to offer support to them.”
It is expected that Forward Swindon’s shareholder, Swindon Borough Council, will be seeking to recruit two new board members to replace Robin and Mark shortly.
All board members act for the company without remuneration.
The current board membership is: Alan Shepherd Tina Cumpstey, centre manager, McArthur Glen Swindon Designer Outlet; James Lockhart, partner, Whitmarsh Lockhart; Gavin Jones, chief executive Swindon Borough Council; and Jeanette Harris, HR director, Zurich UK Life.
