New chairman is named for Peterborough's economic development company

Economic development company Opportunity Peterborough has appointed Dr Angus Kennedy as its new chairman.

He will take over at the end of next month from outgoing chairman John Bridge.

Mr Kennedy, who is chair of Peterborough housing association Cross Keys Homes, has served as a director of Opportunity Peterborough since its creation 12 years ago.

He said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as Opportunity Peterborough’s new chair and, working closely with Steve Bowyer, chief executive, look forward to leading the company on the next stage of its journey.

“I’ve been privileged to work with Opportunity Peterborough since it was established and I’m proud of the achievements the company has delivered for the city during that time – both the physical regeneration projects like transforming Cathedral Square, to more recent economic development work supporting local companies and attracting new businesses to move to the city.”

A spokeswoman for Opportunity Peterborough said Mr Kennedy is best known for his work as chief executive of Castle Vale Housing Action Trust in Birmingham.

The trust was an award-winning 12 year £320 million regeneration programme that transformed one of the most deprived parts of Birmingham.

He has nearly 40 years’ experience in the private and public sector, and has established and run his own successful business, Community Regeneration Partnership.

Mr Kennedy is a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing and was awarded an OBE in 2004 for Services to Social Housing in Birmingham.

He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Birmingham University in 2005 for his work in the regeneration of Castle Vale and his wider contribution to the City of Birmingham and the West Midlands.