Senior Leadership Board

Chief Executive Officer, Ben Still

The Chief Executive Officer provides figurehead leadership and overall direction to the Combined Authority, leading the execution of long-term strategies for the development of West Yorkshire.​

This role is designated as the Head of Paid Service for the Combined Authority with overall responsibility for the management and coordination of the officer body of the Authority, including ensuring that the Authority has the appropriate level of resources and capabilities required to discharge the Authority’s functions.

In particular, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for coordinating strategy, development and delivery with the Mayor, Members of the Authority, the Local Enterprise Partnership and partner councils to ensure that the Authority’s corporate priorities are actively progressed and its objectives delivered on time and effectively to meet the requirements of the Combined Authority and the Local Enterprise Partnership and to deliver on the aspirations for West Yorkshire and York.

Chief Operating Officer, Alan Reiss

Leads the day-to-day operation of the Combined Authority, responsible for standards, driving delivery of key outcomes across the organisation, overseeing business processes and leading efficient & effective corporate services. Deputy to the Chief Executive Officer.​

Executive Director Transport, Simon Warbuton

To provide visible leadership for transport in the region, securing investment the region needs, and integrating functions which drive the development, delivery and safe operation of a sustainable, effective and efficient transport system for the people of West Yorkshire.

Director of Finance & Commercial Services, Angela Taylor

To provide leadership to Finance & Commercial Services, ensuring delivery of high quality professional services to the organisation and taking on statutory duties as the Combined Authority’s Section 73 Financial Officer.​

Director of Transport Policy & Delivery, Melanie Corcoran

Melanie has responsibility to work with partners to shape the vision for the future of transport for West Yorkshire, translating this into actionable policies, strategies and programmes – driving delivery to pace with a focus on value for money.​

Director of Mass Transit,

Luke Albanese

Luke has responsibility to lead the scoping, development and delivery of a Mass Transit system serving the people of West Yorkshire.​

Interim Directors of Transport Operations & Passenger Experience, Michael Bunting and David Haskins

Michael and David have responsibility to deliver a consistent, efficient and inclusive transport operation in West Yorkshire, enabling more people to use accessible, sustainable transport with a focus on affordable travel for all.​

Director of Policing, Environment & Place, Liz Hunter

Liz has responsibility to work with partners to shape the vision for the future of Policing, Environment & Place in West Yorkshire, translating this into actionable policies, strategies & plans – driving delivery at pace with a focus on value for money.​

Director of Strategy, Communications
& Intelligence, Sarah Eaton

To ensure alignment of corporate strategy and voice across the Combined Authority and externally, overseeing and embedding processes and ways of working to enable continued monitoring, evaluation and driving performance towards key outcomes.

Director of Inclusive Economy, Skills & Culture,  Felix Kumi-Ampofo

Felix has responsibility to work with partners to shape the vision and pipeline for Business, Skills, Innovation, Culture and Sport in West Yorkshire, translating this into actionable policies, strategies and plans – driving delivery at pace across Economic Services with a focus on value for money.​

Monitoring Officer, Caroline Allen

This role is filled by Caroline Allen, Deputy Director Legal Governance and Compliance This is a statutory appointment responsible for reporting to the Combined Authority in any case where they are of the opinion that any proposal, decision or omission of the Authority, its committees or subcommittees or anyone employed by the Authority is, or is likely to be, illegal or to constitute maladministration.

The Monitoring Officer also has a range of functions relating to the conduct of members including responsibility for the register of members and officers interests and responsibility for the suite of governance documents of the Authority. The Monitoring Officer is also the Head of Legal and Governance and is responsible for ensuring that the service delivers high quality and effective legal advice and committee support to the Authority.

The Monitoring Officer can be reached by email here or in writing at: 

Monitoring Officer 
Legal and Governance Services
West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Wellington House
40-50 Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 2DE