The Milton Keynes Business Improvement District (MyMiltonKeynes BID) has appointed retail industry expert Diane Wehrle as a director of its Board and confirmed she will become independent chair in November.
Diane, founder and chief executive of Rendle Intelligence and Insights, will formally succeed current chair Paul Davis on 20 November 2025, following the completion of his six-year term. Her appointment was unanimously approved by the BID Board on 18 September.
With more than 30 years of experience in retail, property, and town centre development, Diane co-founded Springboard, which grew into a market leader in retail intelligence before being acquired by MRI Software in 2022. She has worked with more than 300 high street clients, advised BIDs and local authorities nationwide, and has been named among the world’s Top 100 Retail Influencers by Rethink Retail for five consecutive years.
“Diane is very well known and respected within the BID industry,” said Jill Farnsworth, chief executive of MyMiltonKeynes BID. “Her knowledge of retail, town centres and place management will be a huge asset to us as we develop plans for our next five-year term.”
Diane, who has lived in Milton Keynes since 1998, said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Board of MyMiltonKeynes BID at such an important time for the city centre. Milton Keynes has been my home for nearly three decades and I am excited to contribute to its continued growth and success by supporting the BID and its levy payers.”
Outgoing chair Paul Davis added: “Diane’s experience and involvement in town and city centre development across the UK will be a great asset to Jill and the Board. The BID plays an essential role in the transformation of the city centre, and I am certain Diane’s leadership will help it continue to evolve.”
The BID represents more than 330 businesses across retail, leisure, professional services and commercial sectors. As chair, Diane will lead the Board in setting its strategic direction and ensuring effective governance while working closely with stakeholders to deliver maximum value for levy payers.
