RICHARD Gregory OBE has stepped down as chair of Science City York (SCY).

Mr Gregory, who won the Lifetime Achievement award at The Press Business Awards 2010 for his services to the city, held the position for seven years.

Professor Brian Cantor, Vice-Chancellor of the University of York and director of SCY, will succeed him as chair on an interim basis.

Mr Gregory, who helped establish SCY as an independent company, and was executive chair before the recruitment of Nicola Spence as chief executive, was recently appointed senior independent director on the board of Clydesdale Bank and the National Australia Bank (Europe), the group that links the bank’s UK operations to its parent company.

He helped SCY to invest in a number of innovation infrastructure and business support projects including business and innovation facilities on The University of York’s new Heslington East campus, York St John University’s Phoenix Centre and Fera’s Applied Innovation Campus; business mentoring services; and bioscience research projects.

Mr Gregory said: "I am leaving Science City York in very good hands. This historic city is one of the country’s leading centres of science and innovation and I am confident that Science City York will continue to help bring together the city’s talented people with private and public sector opportunities to foster further growth.

"It has been a privilege working with this agency and colleagues from the universities, research centres, businesses and city council.”

Prof Cantor said: “Richard Gregory has been an inspiring leader of Science City York during his seven years as chairman, and he will be a tough act to follow. The University and the city of York owe him a great debt of thanks for his energy, ability and enthusiasm.

"As a nation, we face uncertain times but I relish the challenge of leading Science City York through what will be a difficult period. I have great confidence that, with Science City York’s help, the spirit of innovation and enterprise will continue to flourish in York, the region and beyond.”