The outgoing director of the National Media Museum is to become the new chief executive of a networking and advocacy group in the city, it has been revealed today.

Colin Philpott, who has been director of the museum for the last eight years, is to take over at Bradford Breakthrough, which represents the city’s leading business organisations and provides a forum for collaboration and lobbying across and beyond Bradford.

Its members include many of the city’s leading private sector employers including Grattan, BT, Yorkshire Water, Yorkshire Building Society, Provident Finance, NG Bailey and Leeds-Bradford International Airport, as well as key public sector organisations including the Bradford Council, the University of Bradford, Bradford College and the Media Museum.

Mr Philpott will begin his new role at the start of next month, immediately after leaving the museum.

He said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue to play a role in the development of a city about which I feel passionate.”

During his time at the museum, it widened its remit, changed its name and has opened three major new galleries on television, computer games and, last month, the world’s first museum gallery looking at the impact of the internet.

The museum also played a leading role in helping Bradford become the first UNESCO City of Film.

Mr Philpott will take over from David Richardson who has been chief executive since 2005.

Mr Richardson, who is also the chairman of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is giving up the Bradford Breakthrough role in order to devote more time to other business interests.

Bradford Breakthrough chairman Dr Trevor Higgins said: “In what is an exciting time of rapid change for Bradford, I am pleased to announce a leadership change at the helm of Bradford Breakthrough. Dave Richardson is leaving to pursue other opportunities. I’d like to thank Dave for his contribution to Bradford Breakthrough and the city of Bradford.

“I am delighted that Colin Philpott has agreed to take over as chief executive of Breakthrough and I am looking forward to working alongside him in the years ahead.”

Mr Philpott will combine the part-time role at Bradford Breakthrough with consultancy work, university lecturing and creative projects including the completion of a book due to be published in the autumn.