A NEW chief executive and principal have been appointed at Leeds College of Building following the retirement of Ian Billyard, who currently holds the roles.

Derek Whitehead, currently deputy principal, will take over the role from January 2019, at the UK’s only specialist further education construction college.

Mr Whitehead said: “I am very much looking forward to starting my new role, continuing to build on the existing successes at the college.

“The college and all the staff are committed to ensuring students have a first-class experience together, reaching their full potential and maximising the opportunities that are available to them.

“I have worked at the College for 14-and-a-half years, it has an exciting future ahead, and I am honoured and thrilled to have the opportunity to lead it.”

Mr Billyard has led the college since 2003 and worked there for more than 22 years.

He added: “It has been an enormous privilege to have worked with such an outstanding team of staff and governors.

“During this time the college has changed considerably; both in response to industry and the further education sector and I feel it’s in great shape for the next stage in its development.”

Andrew Iveson, chair of governors at the college, paid tribute to the “commitment and hard work of Ian Billyard in supporting students to achieve their aspirations”, and welcomed Mr Whitehead into his new role.