The Cornwall Development Company (CDC) has appointed Colin Molton as its new chief executive.
Molton, who is currently director at the homes and communities agency with responsibility for investment in the south west, will take up his post on October 1.
CDC chairman Martin Brooks said: “This is a real coup for Cornwall and the CDC. Colin is recognised as one of the country’s best in the field of economic development and regeneration and, as such, comes with a wealth of experience and expertise.
“Colin is coming to Cornwall at a vitally important time. His appointment represents a major boost to our capability and capacity to face the challenges of the economic recession and grasp the opportunities of the coalition government’s plans for greater devolution.”
Molton, who knows Cornwall well from his time as deputy chief executive of the Regional Development Agency, said: “I am thrilled and delighted to take up this role. Cornwall is a fantastic and unique place with an innovative private sector and a public sector committed to achieving sustainable economic growth. The chance to work with a forward looking business community, coupled with the investment opportunities of the Convergence programme, is a prospect that really excites me.”
Molton joined the Homes and Communities Agency as director in December 2008, where he leads the delivery of the Agency’s substantial programme of investment in housing and regeneration within the South West.
He was previously deputy chief executive for the South West RDA (SWRDA) for nearly ten years, where he was responsible for the delivery of the agency’s programme of urban and rural regeneration, as well as advising on regional planning and transportation issues. He was also a board member for both the Plymouth City Development Company and Camborne Pool Redruth Urban Regeneration Company.
A chartered surveyor by profession, Molton has spent his career in economic development and regeneration at Hampshire County Council, Bradford City Council and Leeds Development Corporation. In 1995, he joined English Partnerships – Midlands region, and whilst head of regeneration for the West Midlands, helped establish the RDA for the West Midlands, Advantage West Midlands, before moving to the south west in 1999 to join SWRDA.
