Manchester Central has announced that MIDAS CEO Angie Robinson will be replacing Lesley Tomlinson as chief executive following her decision to leave the venue after six years.

Tomlinson has decided to take a step back and will leave her position as chief executive of Manchester Central next month and Robinson will take over on 1 September.

Robinson said of her appointment: “Having spent six years as a non-exec on the board of Manchester Central I was delighted to be approached to take on such an exciting role. Lesley has handed me a fantastic team of people and a venue that is now the envy of the industry. Manchester Central is already on such a roll, I can’t wait to get on with pushing it even further."

Tomlinson will remain on the board and has said she is looking forward to the next chapter for Manchester Central. “This has not been an easy decision for me as this has quite simply been the best job I have ever had.  I am really proud of what we have achieved over the last six years; the transformation of the building, the development of the brand and the hard earned reputation as a market leader. Delivered through incredible team work and the commitment of the whole team – I leave Manchester Central in very safe hands,” she said.

During her time at Manchester Central, Tomlinson has been instrumental in the reinvention of the venue, transforming it into an internationally recognised convention complex with a £30 million redevelopment. The Chartered Institute of Housing has recently announced that its Annual Conference and Housing Exhibition will move to Manchester Central from June 2012, generating an estimated £2million in economic impact for Manchester each year.

Pictured: Lesley Tomlinson and Angie Robinson