North East Local Enterprise Partnership launches recruitment drive for new leader

A new chief executive is sought for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership following the departure of Ed Twiddy

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership has begun a search for an experienced and ambitious leader to take over at the helm.

The organisation is looking for a new chief executive, following the departure of Ed Twiddy for Atom Bank.

Whoever takes over the role will be driving forward the economic plan, a crucial part of the LEP’s vision for sustainable economic growth in the region based on creating more and better jobs.

At the heart of the plan are a range of projects to boost innovation, skills, business support and transport.

It also seeks to develop the region’s economic assets while supporting inclusive growth.

Rockpools recruitment agency has been appointed to lead the search on behalf of the LEP’s board and the North East Combined Authority.

Already, strong interest has been expressed in the role.

North East LEP chairman Paul Woolston said: “It’s good news that the recruitment process has started for a new chief executive. We are seeking a talented individual to take charge of the integrated team delivering the SEP and build on the LEP’s achievements to date.

“Last month we successfully secured £290m from the Government’s Growth Deal to take forward our plans. The money – which will help create more than 4,000 jobs and attract an additional £90m in public and private sector investment – puts us in the top three LEPs for local growth, as we are for European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) investment. That is a clear endorsement of national and European confidence in our plans.

“The region is also one of three LEP areas chosen to run a skills pilot, which will play a vital role in creating the more and better jobs pledged in the SEP.

“We are a business-led proactive LEP: we commissioned Lord Adonis to carry out his independent review into how we could create sustained economic growth for the region, and the SEP sets out the nitty-gritty of how we will achieve this, but we need an experienced and inspirational chief executive to knit all the strands together.”

Coun Simon Henig, chairman of the North East Combined Authority, said: “We are working in partnership to find the right person to take on this challenge and help us to move forward our plans for the region’s economic development.

“And this will be a very challenging, but ultimately highly rewarding role. The successful candidate will be someone able to understand the bigger vision and manage the teams working to achieve our aims. I am looking forward to the appointment as the next stage in the North East’s continued journey towards a strong and sustainable economy for everyone in the region.”