Football club CEO appointed economic partnership chair
A premiership football club chief executive has been named chair of the board at Bradford’s economic partnership.
Dave Baldwin, who was born in Bradford and is currently the CEO for Burnley Football Club, has become the chair of the Producer City Board.
Baldwin was the CEO at Bradford City Football Club for seven years and then went on to Burnley FC in 2014.
David said: “I have a passion for wanting the best for the place I live and to help make Bradford a better place for everyone who lives and works here.
“Operating as a CEO of a Premier League football club effectively involves managing multiple businesses under one roof, including football operations, player trading, retail, catering, events management and sports facilities, employing in Burnley’s case in excess of 500 people with a payroll in excess of £50 million and a turnover over £100m.
“Bradford is building from a position of strength, given its population, youthful demographic and the size and scale of its £9.2 billion economy. Through the Producer City Board I want to help the region capitalise on that to benefit the city.”
Baldwin has strong connections and a huge passion for the district, with both a national and international profile. He has held previous roles as an entrepreneur in retail and hotels; as well as working with the community and in sport.
He replaces Professor Lord Patel of Bradford in a role which includes leading on Bradford’s economic development in partnership with the council. A new economic growth strategy has been put together by Bradford Council, the University of Bradford and the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, with Producer City providing a focus for building on the city’s strengths and assets.
Kersten England, Bradford Council’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome David on board. We are hugely ambitious for Bradford and believe he will have a great deal to offer in raising the city’s profile as a major manufacturing base within the UK economy.”
Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “David has a track record of success at running major businesses. He knows and cares about the district so it really is a great appointment for us. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
