Former Army major Jay Rowlinson has been recruited to become the next Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID) chief executive.

Team leader within the Specialist Operations Training Team at East Midlands Police, Jay previously spent 32 years in the Armed Forces, serving on many operational deployments around the world.

He was recognised on the operational honours lists for his work and dedication to duty whilst serving in Afghanistan.

Jay, who will start work in his new role in January, said: “I love being able to initiate making positive changes and being part of a team that builds and brings success.

“The position of CEO at the BID is such an interesting, challenging and very worthwhile job that will give me the opportunity to work with key partners and stakeholders to bring worthwhile and meaningful change to Mansfield town centre.

“I am very aware of the current difficulties that town centre businesses are going through at the moment with a huge increase in online shopping, day-to-day business costs and the ongoing challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought.

“It will be my aim to effectively talk and actively listen to our town centre businesses and ensure I have a thorough understanding of how the BID can help them, but also how I can best represent their future needs and business interests.”

Paul Williams, a director at the BID said: “Jay joins at a very exciting time for the BID and for Mansfield, as significant change is coming to the town through funding being made available via the Levelling Up programme, and the Town and High Street initiatives.

“Jay will be representing the town centre businesses, retail, hospitality and leisure industries to ensure they have an input and significant voice in how that money will be spent.

“While, of course, we look forward to benefiting from Jay’s strategic thinking and planning, we know that it will be his positive attitude and tireless energy that will make so much difference.”