John Lewis chief named as Birmingham LEP chair

THE managing director of John Lewis has been named as the inaugural chairman of the new Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership.

As reported by TheBusinessDesk.com last month, Andy Street, who was brought up in Birmingham, will take on the role from May 1.

Mr Street is also a trustee of Performances Birmingham, responsible for running the city’s Symphony and Town Halls, chairman of the newly formed Speaker’s Advisory Council in Public Engagement and was last year appointed to the Prime Minister’s business advisory group.

He said: “The LEP development board has already outlined ambitious plans for the continuing economic rejuvenation of the region and it will be a privilege to help deliver these plans.

“As a Midlander myself, I am personally excited by the prospect of using the skills I have developed as managing director of John Lewis for the benefit of the citizens of the region.”

The LEP is one of the largest in the country and comprises nine local authorities – Birmingham, Solihull, Cannock, East Staffordshire, Lichfield, Tamworth, Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest – encompassing around two million people.

Bridget Blow, outgoing chair of the LEP development board, said: “I am delighted that Andy Street is taking on the role of chair.

“He has impeccable credentials and is a key player in the business community, and also has close local knowledge of the area, which will be invaluable assets as we drive forward.

“These are extremely exciting times. We have just been chosen to develop an Enterprise Zone, and I believe Andy is the ideal person to take the lead and oversee the LEP as it becomes a key player both nationally and on the global stage.”