Welcome to Yorkshire boss James Mason to step down

James Mason will take up a new role in the new year, according to Welcome to Yorkshire

The head of tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire is to step down from the role, it has been announced.

James Mason was appointed as chief executive of the organisation in December 2019, following the departure of Sir Gary Verity.

Welcome to Yorkshire said Mr Mason would leave the post on 22 October.

The BBC understands an internal complaint about Mr Mason's conduct had been received and was under investigation.

Welcome to Yorkshire confirmed a complaint had been received, but did not state its nature nor name the individuals involved.

It declined to comment until its investigations were completed.

Speaking to BBC Look North, Mr Mason said Welcome to Yorkshire had not identified him as the subject of the complaint, "because we don't specify or comment on allegations or complaints or rumour or conjecture".

"We don't comment on any of these accusations simply because it would be unfair to anyone involved," he added.

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Mr Mason's appointment came after the company had faced widespread criticism about how it was financed and run.

"The brief when I joined was to guide Welcome to Yorkshire towards steadier waters and drastically reduce costs," he said earlier.

"We achieved this despite all the restrictions we faced and never stopped innovating or striving for excellence."

He added the decision to leave had not been an "easy one" and he had enjoyed the role.

It was announced in August that the Tour de Yorkshire, which is organised by Welcome to Yorkshire, would not go ahead in 2022 for the third year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Mason said: "I'd like to thank everyone for their involvement in trying to bring the Tour de Yorkshire back, especially our local authority partners with their continued commitment."

The tour and other events affected by the pandemic would return "when the time is right", Mr Mason added.

The Tour de Yorkshire has been cancelled for three years in a row now due to the Covid pandemic

Chair of Welcome to Yorkshire, Peter Box, thanked Mr Mason for his "commitment and energy" during a "particularly turbulent time for tourism and for the organisation".

He said: "When James joined as chief executive almost two years ago there were many challenges to deal with.

"A positive plan was put in place to continue showcasing Yorkshire to the world and despite the Covid-19 pandemic adding a new and unexpected level of challenges for the tourism industry, James tackled all issues head-on and worked tirelessly."

According to Welcome to Yorkshire, before Mr Mason goes on to his next role in the new year, he will spend the period before Christmas expanding a dementia cafe he helped launch in 2018.