Peter Wilkinson resigns as Borough Market chairman

Peter Wilkinson, a businessman with interests in the rail industry who divides his time between Vienna and London, has served as chairman of the charity which runs Borough's historic market for the past two years.

Mr Wilkinson's resignation comes just a few weeks after the departure of managing director Glenis Reagon and the appointment of Keith Davis to replace her on an interim basis.

The market has had a difficult year. Relations between the management and some traders – which had been uneasy for some time – were further strained after the eviction of eight businesses from the market.

Since the evictions negative stories about the market have appeared in the national and international press.

"Peter's energy, focus and commercial acumen have seen Borough Market through some challenging times," said the trustees in a statement on Thursday.

"Peter has steered the market successfully through an enormously disruptive construction project and ensured the continuation of the market through the recession.

"The trustees would like to take this opportunity to record their thanks and appreciation for the dedication which Peter has shown in the service of the market."

Commenting on his decision, Peter Wilkinson said: "I have been fortunate to have been in the service of Borough Market for five years – as a trustee, vice chair and chairman – and in this time I am proud to have played my part in helping to safely steer the market through challenging economic times and major construction works on the market site.

"Five years is quite a commitment and I feel that, now there is a vision in place for the market which will ensure its future growth and prosperity, I can return my focus to my other charitable involvements and to my business interests."

Mr Wilkinson is the founder of the Compass Schools Trust which is seeking to open a secondary 'free school' in Southwark next year.

Until the formal process of electing a new chair has taken place, Donald Hyslop will carry out the role of chairman and David Lyon will serve as vice chair.

Donald Hyslop has been a trustee of Borough Market since 2007. He is also chair of Better Bankside and is the head of regeneration & community partnerships at Tate.

David Lyon has been a trustee since 2010. He works for a think tank based in Borough High Street.