Mike Bennett has stepped down as chair of Bristol Media to accept the position of Chief Executive, a new role that has been created to drive the network forward over the next 12 months.

The move sees Pete Levy take over as the new chair and Neil Higginson appointed as vice chair.

Mike will step away from his joint Managing Director role at E3 to focus on growing the Bristol Media network.

Mike stated:

“We’ve got a dedicated and passionate board in place and collectively we’ve laid down some solid foundations upon which to build. It’s now time to really start ramping up our activity. This new position will allow me to do that, identifying where we need to focus our attention as a network and delivering projects and initiatives that will hopefully make a small but significant difference to creative businesses and media entrepreneurs within the city.”

Pete Levy stated:

“We’ve put together a new strategy that really builds on the one we created when Mike took over as chair.”

He continued:

“In summary it’s about attracting and retaining talent, raising both the ‘creative profile’ of the city and the companies that are based here and looking at ways we can help creative businesses grow and evolve within Bristol.”

Mike concluded:

“We’ve had significant financial help and strategic support over the last two years from SWERDA, Watershed, Bristol +, Bristol City Council and South West Screen. Without their buy in we really wouldn’t be in the position we are today. I’m delighted to ‘officially’ be part of the future vision of Bristol Media and to be asked to help drive the network forward.”