THE man chosen to lead the project expected to bring thousands of visitors into Southampton has quit his role after just a year.

Jim Zalles was appointed project manager of Mayflower 400 just 12 months ago.

He was tasked with overseeing a year-long programme of events to commemorate the sailing of the Mayflower from Southampton in 1620.

As reported, Mayflower 400 is an international project across four nations set to run throughout 2020.

Organisers say the “world’s biggest family reunion” will attract thousands of American visitors to Southampton and include “unforgettable” events including a light and maritime festival, four new musicals commissioned by the Mayflower Theatre and a huge community feast.

But now directors at Southampton Cultural Development Trust – which employed Jim – say they will “review staffing” and split the £30,000-a-year job into two.

One person will be employed to write funding bids and the other will oversee production of events.

A statement from Southampton Cultural Trust said: “Jim Zalles’ contract has come to the end of its first year and he has decided to leave Southampton Cultural Development Trust as project manager on Mayflower 400 and take up other opportunities.

“This has given the trust the opportunity to review the staffing of this project moving forward and to make two key appointments by splitting the role into two parts.

“The first will be a fundraiser/bid writer who will look to secure the remaining funds required to make the project the success we are all working towards.

“The second role will be for an executive producer who will oversee the work of the two freelance producers already working on the August festival event and light projects alongside the wider programme of activities that are already being developed for 2020.

“Plans continue to be developed for this exciting year of commemorations centred around three weeks in August that will provide an international spotlight on Southampton and put it firmly on the world stage as a city of heritage, culture and commerce.”

Director of Mayflower Theatre, Michael Ockwell, said the departure “doesn’t affect the delivery of any of the programme” and added: “He has done a great job and some fantastic profile raising.”

Jim told the Echo his next job is “sports related” and added: “I’ll be starting a new project shortly. My contract came to an end.”

City council culture boss Councillor Satvir Kaur added: “Jim has been a great addition to Southampton Cultural Development Trust and an incredible asset to the Mayflower 400 project.”