Ron has been at the helm of the organisation since its inception in April 2011 and will remain in post until 31 December 2015 whilst a new Chief Executive is appointed.
His retirement will mark the end of a varied career which has taken Mr Crank from corporate life to running his own business and then into local government. "I could not have asked for a better way to end what has been a long and rewarding career than to have had the opportunity to establish Coast to Capital and oversee negotiations with Whitehall which resulted in £238 million of investment in our region", said Mr Crank.
"I will look back over the past five years with great fondness and pride, but I believe that now is the right time to hand over responsibility to someone who will take the organisation forward from 2016 and see the investment programme successfully implemented."
However, the father of five, with six grandchildren isn't quite ready to take it easy entirely. Following an extended holiday with his wife, he hopes to have the opportunity to take on several local directorships.
Chairman, Tim Wates, said: "On behalf of the Coast to Capital Board, our team and partners, I wish to thank Ron for his leadership and support. He was instrumental in the establishment of the LEP and has been a first class chief executive, working tirelessly for our region. Ron has steered us through some very challenging times and I thank him for all his work."
Former chairman John Peel OBE added: "I have worked closely with Ron for the last six years. He leaves a lasting legacy, with Coast to Capital in the best possible position to build on his achievements. Personally, I would like to thank Ron for his support, dedication and business acumen which will be missed by me, the Board and everyone with whom he came into contact."
The search for a successor will commence shortly.
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