A long-serving CEO who founded a prominent 16-school MAT is set to retire. Richard Sheriff, of Yorkshire-based , has been at the helm of the academy chain for 14 years. He has also taken a lead role in the Red Kite Alliance, a partnership of over 50 schools in the region. 鈥淚t is really hard to even think about moving away from an organisation and profession I love but we all must find the right time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation,鈥� Sheriff said. 鈥淎fter almost 25 years leading schools, I feel the time is right to step aside and let others take on the privileges and challenges that come with leadership at this scale.鈥� Sheriff, a former president of the leaders鈥� union ASCL, will remain in his position for the rest of the year, with trustees looking to appoint his successor to start in January. He added that a new leader will give Red Kite the 鈥渃hance for fresh ideas, energy and a new beginning鈥�. But the 鈥渢rustees will ensure that our values remain non-negotiable鈥�.