We are sad to announce that our chief executive Lesley Jackson has decided to leave the company at the end of September.

Lesley joined Jazz North as executive director in September 2015 and became chief executive in February 2020 following a review of the internal management structure that also saw the creation of the roles of Digital Director and Director of Talent Development.

Jazz North co-chair, Simon Ryder, said, “Lesley has made an enormous contribution to Jazz North over the past six years and the board are grateful for her commitment, professionalism and drive. Her departure will be a great loss to Jazz North but we wish her well for the future.”

“The board will continue to support the staff team to achieve our long-term goals and an interim management solution will be implemented whilst we look for Lesley’s replacement.”

Lesley said, “it has been an honour to work for Jazz North over the last six years and I am proud of the impact that we have had and the progress we have made together. Despite some of the turmoil we have collectively faced through the pandemic, Jazz North’s work across the sector has never been stronger or more relevant. I am grateful to the Jazz North Board and staff team for their support and wish the organisation every success in the future.”