Go! Southampton has announced its appointment of a new chief executive as it continues its plans to build a world-class city centre.

Leading the Business Improvement District (BID) to fulfil its mission that was approved by businesses, the new CEO will join the organisation in May.

Jon Walton has been appointed in the role, who has been in the retail and leisure management sector for 30 years.

Director of Go! Southampton’s board, Tim Keeping said: “We are delighted to have appointed Jon, who comes to Southampton with valuable industry experience to assist the board in putting into action the pledges that were voted for in November.”

The board is full of representatives of various business sectors across the BID area who are working towards improvements to the city centre.

Jon said: “There is a very real opportunity to help propel Southampton to a very competitive place and I look forward to working with businesses to get to grips with this opportunity. The chance to help shape the organisation in conjunction with the board and levy payers was too good to turn down.

“I very much look forward to meeting more of Southampton’s businesses when I start work at the end of May.”

Go! Southampton’s early priorities under Jon Walton will be to work with partners in an attempt to influence transport, maintenance operations and the city’s marketing.

Jon Walton will be building a team and working in partnership with businesses and other organisations across the city to help achieve it.

He will take up the new position on May 22.