Posted on 20 Mar 2008

Ian Wall, Chief Executive of The EDI Group, has today announced his retirement after seven years in charge of the development company that he helped set up 20 years ago.

Ian Wall said how much he had valued the opportunity to contribute to the development of Edinburgh over the past two decades.

“I am very proud of the track record of EDI over the last two decades and the contribution we have been able to make to the changing face of the city through our developments.”

Ian Wall rejoined The EDI Group in 1996, eight years after he helped to establish it for The City of Edinburgh Council, and created its first major project, Edinburgh Park. The company this year celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Ian Wall explained that, as he approached the age of 60, after 42 years of public service - 22 of those in Edinburgh with the Council and EDI - he felt it was time to step down.

“In EDI’s 20th anniversary year, I feel it’s a good time to go. I have enjoyed hugely driving forward a range of projects in the city over the last 22 years, from the Edinburgh Technology Transfer centre at Edinburgh University’s King’s Buildings and the redevelopment of Wester Hailes town centre, to the Gyle Shopping centre, the regeneration of Craigmillar and the Science Festival.

“I am looking forward to continuing my work with a range of bodies and companies, and pursuing my interests in science, art and the built environment.”

Councillor Gordon MacKenzie, Chair of the EDI Group, said Ian had played a key role in the economic regeneration of Scotland’s capital city. He said:

"Ian began work in the field 20 years ago when he first joined the city’s economic development and planning department. Since then he’s played a major part in the regeneration of the city. He’s helped to build EDI into a successful company with a fantastic team that has delivered significant benefits to the city and we have much to thank him for.”

Ian Wall’s particular interest lay in the way in which high quality development can enhance the public realm and help to build - and sustain - viable communities. This interest is evidenced through his commitment to incorporating into EDI’s developments – such as Craigmillar and Edinburgh Park - specially commissioned public art works and landscaping of the highest quality that provides accessible and attractive open space.

Ian Wall’s work was not restricted to the Lothians. He helped to set up a very successful joint venture between The EDI Group and North Ayrshire Council – North Ayrshire Ventures (NAV). This JV has delivered two award-winning office buildings, attracting more than 300 full time jobs to the area and securing significant profits for both JV partners.

His other longstanding interest is the way in which scientific endeavour has the ability to improve people’s lives. This approach led to the creation of the Edinburgh International Science Festival, the first such festival in the world, which has since been copied worldwide.

He also has a long track record of involvement in the arts and has been chair of WASPS for the last five years, helping to develop it into a self-financing organisation. WASPS is an award-winning charity which provides affordable studio space to support the careers of around 750 artists working in Scotland today.

Although Ian is leaving The EDI Group in the middle of April, he will continue to be involved with WASPS, the Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum; Edinburgh International Science Festival and the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) amongst others.

John Mark Di Ciacca, Director of Property, has agreed to be Acting Chief Executive while the Board seeks a successor to Ian Wall.

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For further information please contact Giselle.dye@pagodapr.com or esther.black@pagodapr.com on 0131 556 0770 or 07739 085023

Notes for Editors

1. In 1985 Ian Wall joined the newly-established Economic Development and Estates Department of The City of Edinburgh Council. As head of property development, Wall created The Gyle Shopping Centre and Edinburgh Park. This internationally acclaimed business park was developed by EDI and has helped to transform the city’s business and financial fortunes.

2. Over the last 20 years, The EDI Group www.edigroupscotland.co.uk  has developed property across a wide range of sectors, from office and retail through to factories and housing for the homeless. One of EDI’s roles is to work in partnership with public and private sectors, delivering projects which are profitable and bring added value in respect of architectural, environmental and economic development benefits, often all three together.

3 When it was set up, EDI was granted an original investment of £5.5million and the current value of its assets and Edinburgh Park is over £100 million. The EDI Group, and its partnership activities such as the BUREDI residential developments with the Burrell Company and North Ayrshire Ventures (NAV) have produced dividends to the City.