Bath Business Improvement District (BID) has appointed Jonathan O’Shea, the former chief executive of St John’s Hospital, as its interim chief executive while it searches for a full-time replacement for Andrew Cooper.
Mr O’Shea, pictured, will work alongside Mr Cooper to provide continuity and strategic direction to the BID team until the end of September, when he leaves to take up a similar role in Leeds. 
Mr O’Shea has been an active board director of the BID since 2010, holding the position of vice-chair and finance director.
BID chairman Nigel Huxley said Mr O’Shea had an extensive knowledge of the city, the business community and the BID and would be a “tremendous asset” during the transition.
“It is a busy time for the BID as we move towards renewal and yet continue with the day to day running of the business,” he said.
“We are delighted to have someone of Jonathan’s calibre with full knowledge of the BID’s initiatives, and its challenges, with an ability to help us take the Bath BID to the next level.”
Mr O’Shea said: “I have always been passionate about the contribution the BID makes to Bath, and as a levy payer have seen its value first-hand.
“I am delighted to have been appointed as interim chief executive and look forward to working with the BID team during this important period of transition.”
He will begin his new role next Monday. Bath BID had originally said it anticipated having the replacement in post by the time Mr Cooper leaves.
It will hold a ballot later this year among its 700-plus members to continue in operation.
One of more than 200 BIDs across the UK, it raises money from businesses in the city centre through a levy based on their premises’ rateable value.
It has staged initiatives such as Bath in Fashion and The Great Bath Feast, which attract sponsorship and bring in money from ticket sales. It also operates the city’s night marshal and taxi marshal schemes.
St John’s Hospital is a registered charity providing almshouse accommodation, community grants, loans and financial support to disadvantaged people in Bath.
