Deputy CEO Sam Booth is to become pro-manchester chief executive with immediate effect.
Booth is the first female chief executive in pro-manchester’s 32-year history.
“I am extremely honoured to be pro-manchester’s first female chief executive,” she said.
“We’ve had some very successful women chair our board in previous years and I aim to follow in their footsteps with the running of this great organisation.”
The appointment comes after John Ashcroft officially handed in his notice to the pro-manchester board after nine years with the organisation last week.
Booth has been an integral part of pro-manchester’s growth from a small, effective membership network to a sophisticated business development organisation during her 11-year career with the company.
A firm part of the Manchester business community, she has held roles at pro-manchester in events, business development and most recently deputy CEO.
“I have learnt a lot during my time here and am excited to hit the ground running,” added Booth.
“I have worked closely with John Ashcroft to develop the business and I look forward to pushing pro-manchester further.
“It is a pleasure to head up what is now a strong team of eight talented individuals and I am certain they will help me to drive the business where the board and I want it to go.”
pro-manchester chairman Alistair Cree said: “When we were discussing John Ashcroft’s replacement, there was really no other candidates for us as a board.
“Sam has been an important part of pro-manchester for over a decade and after impressing the board as deputy CEO, she was the first person we asked.
“We are sure that Sam will now take the business to the next level and look forward to seeing what her and the team will achieve in the coming years.”