Interim Chief Executive to be appointed – message from Paul Woolston

I would like to update you with the latest news about the recruitment of a Chief Executive to lead the North East LEP.

Making sure that we have the right person for this important and demanding job has always been our priority. The role requires a person of considerable experience, expertise and ambition to drive forward our plans for economic growth.

Early this month the permanent chief executive post was formally offered to an outstanding international candidate. However, we have been informed that reluctantly after much consideration and thought, they are unable to take up the job for personal reasons.

It is critical that our chief executive role is filled as soon as possible and we share your frustrations and disappointment that we have not been able to make the appointment we wished to make. We will now continue with the recruitment process for a permanent chief executive and will be re-advertising the post in the expectation of making an appointment within the next six months. To cover this period we will also be appointing an interim chief executive within the month.

It is essential that we continue to build on the momentum and achievements that the LEP has achieved over the past 12 months, led by Chief Operating Officer Helen Golightly. We are confident that we will continue to deliver our ambitious plans for economic growth and with the support of all our partners we will achieve a stronger, sustainable and more prosperous economy for the North East.