After 17 years of service to New Covent Garden Market, Jo Breare stepped down as General Manager of Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) at the end of October.

Jo began her career at the Market as Facilities Manager and worked her way up to the last five years spent as General Manager. During that time, she saw the Market commence its redevelopment and the enormous progress since then to being well on the way to the modern, fit-for-purpose and sustainable market of the future.

Her passion for the Market was evident to all and her morning walks will be much missed by the traders.

Everyone at CGMA wishes Jo the very best for the future. Covent Garden Tenants Association (CGTA) Chairman Gary Marshall echoed that sentiment and added: “Jo was extremely popular with all of the Market’s tenants. Throughout her time here, whichever role she was performing, Jo was always incredibly supportive of tenants; she understood how we operate and what we need to be competitive and make our businesses successful here.

“We knew that if there was a problem, Jo would do her very best to find a solution for us,” added Gary. “She was an integral part of this unique community and particularly in her time as General Manager became an important listening ear for many and someone who all of us would call a friend.

"Personally, I thank Jo because every time CGTA held an event or a fundraising activity, she was one of the first people to put a hand up to support us. On behalf of everyone here though, her daily presence and her impact on our working lives will definitely be missed and we hope Jo enjoys further success and happiness in whatever she does next.”