Chief Executive William Weston announced today his intention to leave The Royal Parks at the end of January 2005.

Since taking up his five-year appointment in 2000 William Weston has skilfully steered The Royal Parks through a significant period in their history, which has included the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations, the funeral of Her Majesty The Queen Mother, and the merger of the Royal Parks Constabulary with the Metropolitan Police. He has successfully developed several major projects for the Parks, most notably the renewal of key sports facilities in Regent's Park and the restoration of Bushy Park. Under his leadership catering and other visitor facilities have been enhanced and a new programme of education, community and volunteer work developed.

In seeking to support these new initiatives William Weston also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Royal Parks Foundation charity. He has successfully raised over �4.5 million in new funding and a further potential �4.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, in addition to increasing real term income levels.

In making today's announcement William Weston said:

"When I started as Chief Executive I had big plans for The Royal Parks and I have delivered them: there is now a clear focus on renewing the Parks' five thousand acres; projects such as the Regent's Park sports facilities and Inn The Park have come to fruition; and The Parks now have an improved management system and an increased business savvy. Critical work to secure additional funding and new income has made significant progress, especially with the creation of the Royal Parks Foundation. The Parks now have a firm base from which to go forward.

"The Parks are wonderful places and it is a real testament to the devotion and creativity of all my colleagues that they continue to be admired, loved and appreciated by Londoners and visitors alike.

"There is much still to do and the expectation now is that The Parks should become more alive to additional commercial opportunities and more entrepreneurial in approach. I myself wish to focus on my personal career development and another radical change of direction."

Andrew McIntosh, Heritage Minister said:

"William Weston has been a distinguished Chief Executive for The Royal Parks. During this time the Parks have flourished under his personal initiative. Thousands of people have taken advantage of new educational projects, while an upgrade to sporting facilities - including the creation of innovative soccer schools - have helped move these wonderful institutions into the 21st century.

"He has shown a real commitment to bringing adults and children from all backgrounds into contact with nature, by making each of the Parks an exciting and interesting place to visit. I wish him well for the future."

Peter Ellwood, Chairman of the Royal Parks Advisory Board further added:

"We wish William every success in the future. He played a vital role in successfully establishing The Royal Parks Foundation. He has helped create the platform for the management of The Parks to move on to the next stage of development."

The appointment of a new Chief Executive will be by open competition. A successor will be sought who combines excellent commercial skills with an understanding and enthusiasm for safeguarding the unique fabric and character of the Royal Parks.

William Weston MVO, FRSA, has an extensive background in the management of high profile cultural organisations, such as the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Whilst at The Royal Parks William has been committed to reconnecting people and local communities with the natural world and is a vigorous advocate for the social, educational and health benefits of urban green space.

Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of carefully conserved historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital.

The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park (with Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James's Park.