Manchester Central chief executive stands down to become racecourse boss

The chief executive of conference and events centre Manchester Central has announced he's standing down to become CEO of a racecourse.

Shaun Hinds, one of Manchester's most respected business leaders, took over the role at the former G-Mex from former Manchester Chamber of Commerce boss Angie Robinson in 2017.

Making the announcement, Manchester Central said he's 'achieved multiple successes in the role, from filing record breaking financial figures to steering the company through the Covid-19 pandemic'.

Try MEN Premium now for FREE... just click here to give it a go.

The conference centre became one of seven national emergency 'Nightingale' hospitals during the pandemic, but the 750-bed facility closed in early 2021 when hospital admissions fell.

"Under his leadership, Manchester Central has grown to attract almost half a million visitors per year, contributing £150 million to the regional economy per year to become a major name in the events industry both nationally and internationally," said a statement.

"Shaun has also been credited with the introduction of initiatives including our Incubator programme, as well as the redevelopment of the historical site encompassing the archways on Watson Street to create venues such as Three Little Words, the Spirit of Manchester Distillery and independent theatre group 53Two."

Shaun spoke of his pride and said: "We have grown and expanded the business to achieve a record year in 2022, introduced new and varied events to our schedule, attracted new audiences to the venue and to the city, and we have also regenerated a part of the venue that had been dormant for 20 years.

"Although I have decided to step aside and hand the responsibility for leading our great business over to