Jim Mawdsley steps down as CEO of Generator to take council job

Generator has announced that its chief executive Jim Mawdsley will be stepping down to take up the role of principal advisor in events, culture, arts and heritage at Newcastle City Council.

Established 25 years ago and with Jim as its CEO for the last 10, Generator has become a crucial facilitator of business growth in the music, creative and digital industries.

The development agency is now on the hunt for Jim’s successor as he moves on to pastures new.

Generator’s member body representing creative and digital companies in the North East, Digital Union, was also chaired by Jim and has now selected Orange Bus founder and digital entrepreneur, Julian Leighton, to take his place.

Julian said: “I am delighted to be heading up a new Strategy Board made up of the members of Digital Union, which is one of the most active member bodies I’ve been involved in.

“We are currently working to produce an ambitious manifesto for the thriving creative digital sector in the region.

“I hope to build on the fantastic work Jim has done to this point and look forward to representing the North East digital cluster and working with the new Generator CEO to take it forward.”

Commenting on his departure from Generator, Jim said: “In the 21 years working with Generator, the last 10 years as CEO, it has grown from humble beginnings into a nationally respected organisation developing music artists and creative and digital companies into successful businesses.

“Whilst I have decided it is time for a new challenge, I will be working closely with the board as they appoint my successor and will always remain a staunch and active supporter of Generator and all the work it does.”

Chair of the board at Generator, Stuart Birkett, added: “Jim’s larger than life influence has helped propel Generator to where it is today, and I know I can speak for all the members of the board and staff team when we wish him well in the new role and thank him for his brilliant contribution to the organisation and the sector.

“He leaves Generator in a strong position with the membership and impact of Digital Union continuing to grow and Generator’s long-standing music programme breaking new ground as it remains ahead of the curve.

“We welcome Julian on board to Digital Union to represent the voice and needs of its members and look forward to appointing our new CEO for the next phase of Generator’s journey.”