Jim Dixon. Photo: Alex Hyde
The boss of Britain’s oldest national park has announced he is stepping down.
Jim Dixon has resigned as chief executive of the Peak District authority, to pursue new roles outside the park.
He will continue in his post until the end of the year, as authority chair Lesley Roberts begins the search for a successor.
Mr Dixon has been in the post for 11 years, the past four having to deal with savage cuts imposed by the coalition Government, leading to the selling off of the Losehill Hall education centre, the Roaches estate and the decision to draw back from selling the North Lees estate, which includes Stanage Edge, one of England’s most popular rock-climbing venues.
He has also overseen the policy of closing some of the Peak District’s green lanes to motorised vehicles.
Mr Dixon said: “Thirty years ago my first job was picking up litter as a countryside ranger. I am now CEO of Britain’s first national park. The next step for me is to move up to non-executive advisory roles.
Peak District National Park Authority chair Councillor Lesley Roberts
“I have reached a point in my career where I wish to take up new opportunities and fresh challenges.
“The time feels right for me to make the move and concentrate on my portfolio of activities in consultancy, media, and non-executive senior roles. I am not retiring; I am extending my experience beyond national parks.”
Authority chair Lesley Roberts said he will be taking up a further non-executive role in addition to his role as a national trustee of the Heritage Lottery Fund.
He has also written an opinion piece for The Times on the conflict between grouse shooting and the hen harrier’s battle for survival.
Ms Roberts said: “Jim has been an excellent chief executive and has contributed to the significant improvements in how the national park has been managed in the last decade.
“Jim has continued to manage the national park in the pioneering spirit that is the Peak District national park’s reputation.”
The chief executive’s post is expected to be advertised in the next few weeks.
The Peak District was the country’s first national park, set up in April 1951.
