EMCCA puts together top team

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has announced the appointment of its permanent executive directors.

Following the appoint of EMCCA’s first permanent chief executive, Amy Harhoff, the senior team has now added three new members to its ranks.

The new executive directors are: Damien Dacey – executive director of strategy and inclusive growth; Edward Highfield – executive director of place; and Richard Williams - executive director of resources.

Dacey has been interim deputy chief executive at EMCCA and has spent the majority of his career in civil service roles.

Highfield joins from Kirklees Council in West Yorkshire, where he was director of skills and regeneration for over three years.

Williams joins EMCCA from Southampton City Council, where he is currently interim director of finance.

Chief executive of EMCCA, Amy Harhoff said: “I am pleased to have had the opportunity to carefully build my permanent executive director team, and I am delighted to welcome Edward and Richard to EMCCA and looking forward to continuing to work with Damien, as we embark on this exciting next chapter together.

“The selection process has allowed us to bring together a group of leaders who are not only exceptionally skilled but also share our vision and commitment to making a lasting impact.”