The chief executive of the Brighton i360 is to leave, it was announced today (Tuesday 29 November).
The i360 said: “After 10 years planning, building, recruiting and helping to deliver a world-class tourist attraction, Eleanor Harris, CEO of British Airways i360, will step down from her role in 2017 to concentrate on her consultancy work.
“The planned move reflects a desire to continue her career as one of the UK’s top visitor attraction consultants, while remaining an investor in British Airways i360.
“Eleanor will work with the board to find a new executive director for British Airways i360.
“The hugely prestigious position is being advertised from Wednesday 30 November. Eleanor will be part of the interview panel.”
Eleanor Harris said: “The last 10 years of my life have been devoted to delivering this wonderful world-class tourist attraction.
“This is the longest time I have spent on any project and I now feel it is time to move back to running my own visitor attraction consulting firm, I-Xperience.
“British Airways i360 has been an amazing attraction to open. High points for me have included assisting with securing planning consent in 2006 and the funding in 2014 and bringing in BA as a sponsor in 2015.
“It was incredible to launch the attraction and to welcome our 100,000th visitor through the door after just a few weeks.
“I have recruited a fantastic team and when I step away I am confident that I will leave the attraction in good hands.
“I have grown to love Brighton and Hove and have been thankful for all the support and friendships that I have formed in the city.
“It is fair to say that the poor train services between Brighton and my home in London have made my life a bit more challenging. And I have two young children that I do not see enough of. This will all now change.”
Brighton i360 chairman David Marks said he was sad to see Eleanor move on, adding: “The board is grateful to Eleanor for the immense drive, energy, commitment and service she has provided to the company. She will be a hard act to follow.”
