Paul Johnson, chairman of the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP), has announced his resignation.

Mr Johnson was appointed as chair in December 2011 and during his tenure, has seen the successful delivery of the innovative and ground-breaking City Deal bid and Local Economic Assessment.

He has been instrumental in the submission to Government of the European Strategy and the Strategic Economic Plan.

Mr Johnson oversaw the formation of the predominantly private sector Board and used his extensive experience to drive forward the 4 key themes of: stimulating growth, encouraging inward investment, supporting the creation of jobs and skills and developing the economic infrastructure of the area.

Mr Johnson said: “These past two years have been challenging and some of the most satisfying of my career.

"To have been the first chair of Swindon and Wiltshire LEP has been an enormous privilege.

"Much has been achieved and I feel I can resign from the chair on a high note, having established SWLEP’s reputation as one of the most innovative LEPs in the country with a strong plan in place for the future.”

Nicky Alberry, vice chairman, said: “Paul has achieved a tremendous amount in a very short period of time and we are grateful for his dedication and support over the past two years.

"As a board, we will now focus on recruiting a new chair to deliver our strategic vision through until 2026. We wish Paul every success in his next moves.”