PROFESSOR Tony Robards was tonight stepping down as chairman of the York Professional Initiative (YPI).

The former pro-vice chancellor at the University of York, who jointly founded the YPI in 2001, has decided to resign to concentrate on his chairmanship of Venturefest, the annual YPI project which he first steered to success two years ago.

He will be succeeded as chairman of YPI by co-founder John Yeomans, senior partber at York-based solicitors Harrowell Shaftoe.

The announcement was set to be made this evening at York's Bedern Hall.

The YPI was formed by Prof Robards and Mr Yeomans to promote York as a centre of excellence for business and professional services. It now has nearly 100 members.

Rachel Goddard, of Intandem Marketing, has been appointed vice-chairman in place of Mr Yeomans. Mr Yeomans said: "Members of YPI all owe Tony an enormous debt of gratitude for his support and commitment as chairman.

"Happily, he will continue to serve on the YPI board."

Updated: 09:41 Tuesday, October 18, 2005