Gary Reeves, chief executive of the New West End Company business improvement district, is to step down from his role, it was announced last night.

Reeves has been chief executive for three years and at the company for five. He is stepping down ‘to seek new challenges’.

He will leave the company in September to ensure somebody is in place to lead the company as it approaches its bid status renewal at the end of 2007.

Reeves will also stay on board to assist on a part-time consultative basis as the organisation develops towards its second term.

The New West End Company board has appointed a head-hunter and aims to make an appointment within the next few months.

Reeves said: ‘I am very proud of what we have achieved together over the past five years. Achieving formal Business Improvement District (BID) status and establishing New West End Company as the clear voice of West End retail.’