New director appointments

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Board has today approved a new structure for the organisation, and two Director appointments as the organisation embarks on a significant programme of economic and transport delivery.

Organisational change programme

The appointments mark a significant step in an organisational change programme, led by the new Managing Director Ben Still. This programme will ensure the Combined Authority has the right skills, structures and capabilities to deliver the best possible economic outcomes from the �1 billion-plus package of devolved government investment for which it is now responsible, and to prepare the organisation for potential future devolution.

Rob Norreys � currently Director of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) � has been confirmed as Director of Policy, Strategy and Communications. Rob has over 25 years� experience in economic policy and strategy, which includes leading the bid to secure the �1bn Leeds City Region Growth Deal funding in 2014.

Meanwhile Angela Taylor, currently Director of Resources at the Combined Authority, was confirmed in this role which now has a broader remit, including the increased financial responsibilities that have come as a result of the �1 billion LEP Growth Deal and other economic development activities. Angela played a critical role in leading the organisation through the landmark change to becoming a Combined Authority in 2014.

Overseeing delivery

In addition to approving these two appointments, the Combined Authority also approved the recruitment of two new director-level posts: a Director of Delivery and Director of Transport Services. These posts will be responsible for overseeing delivery of transport, regeneration and other economic capital schemes, and high-quality passenger transport services respectively. Recruitment of these two key roles will begin immediately.

Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Board, Cllr Peter Box said: �The Combined Authority is now responsible for channeling close to �2 billion of public money into transport and economic development projects across the Leeds City Region. It is vital we have the strategic leadership skills and experience to ensure this money is spent on the right schemes at the right time, and in a way that is properly accountable to the taxpayer.�

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Managing Director, Ben Still, said: �These new posts mark the start of a Combined Authority restructure to ensure the organisation has the right skills and capabilities to deliver the ambitious programme of transport and economic investment for which it is now responsible, and take on new powers and funding that could come as a result of future devolution.�

Find out more about the new Director posts (opens in new window).