Ashleigh Seymour-Rutherford has announced that she is stepping down as CEO of Colbea, the not-for-profit business support and enterprise agency based in Colchester. After five years in charge at Colbea, Ashleigh will be moving away from the business world in order to spend more time with her family.
Among her many achievements, Ashleigh will be remembered for reshaping operations across both of Colbea’s business incubation centres in Colchester and expanding the geographical reach of Colbea’s services to support businesses across Essex.
Colbea has also made an essential contribution to Essex businesses during the challenges of Covid and has come through the pandemic as a stronger and more versatile organisation with an exciting new brand identity.
Simon Mead will take over as the new interim Chief Executive of Colbea following Ashleigh’s departure on 27th May. Simon joins Colbea from Cambridge Wireless, a leading technology community of more than 400 companies, where he was CEO.
Having worked in pivotal senior roles within the East of England since 1994, Simon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of working with businesses of all sectors and sizes, with a particularly strong background in sales and marketing.
Commenting on her time at Colbea, Ashleigh said: “It has been a real privilege to lead Colbea at such a crucial time for businesses across Essex and play a part in Colbea’s 40-year history. I have enjoyed the support of a great team at Colbea and made many friends in the business community whom I look forward to staying in touch with.
“The last five years have been a time of modernising Colbea, strengthening partnerships and supporting business within the #ColbeaCommunity through the pandemic. I wish Simon great success as he takes on the Chief Executive role and I am excited to see the way Colbea will expand and grow under his stewardship.”
Looking ahead to his new role, Simon commented: “I have worked alongside and in association with Colbea on a number of occasions and have always been impressed with the professionalism and drive that the team are able to bring to business support in the region.
“Colbea’s facilities and training programmes are tailored to help early stage businesses and SMEs, playing a key part in Colchester’s economic infrastructure and throughout Essex. I am looking forward to helping Colbea achieve its goals and to continue the great work done by Ashleigh and her team.”
