Appointments: Eddie Smith confirmed at NEM; Leyland boss joins Optare…

EDDIE Smith has finally been confirmed as chief executive of New East Manchester.

Northern Ireland-born Mr Smith has been leading the urban regeneration company for more than a year following the departure of Tom Russell for a role in London.

Formerly head of regeneration for Manchester city council, Mr Smith has worked for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Oldham Council.

Robert Hough, chairman of New East Manchester said: “We are about to embark on an exciting phase in the regeneration of east Manchester which we have to manage within a challenging economic climate. Under Eddie’s leadership I am confident we can bring significant benefits to the people who live in east Manchester now, and those who will choose to live here in future.”

Mr  Smith  said: “The past two years have, without doubt, been the most exciting, challenging and rewarding of my career to date. Together with the talented team at NEM, we have put in place solid foundations that will enable east Manchester to make a vital contribution to the economic competitiveness of the national, regional and city region economies. Our work has already enabled local residents to secure local benefit from the opportunities that are being created.”

“There are now huge opportunities ahead of us that will allow us to continue this momentum, make a real difference to people’s lives and accelerate the regeneration of east Manchester. The future is very exciting for this part of the city and playing a key part in the on-going renewal of the area is a privilege and extremely satisfying.”

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LANCASHIRE busmaker Optare has appointed Jim Sumner, the former Leyland Trucks boss, as its new chief executive.

Mr Sumner has left the Chorley-based truck maker as it tackles a slump in demand and another round of redundancies.

He replaces Andrew Brian who resigned from Optare unexpectedly in December. The position has been filled temporarily by Optare’s chief finance officer Mike Dunn.

Mr Sumner, 43, is still a director at Leyland and holds three board positions with various subsidiaries of Paccar, Leyland’s American owner.

He is also a director at the dormant property management business Lansdown Court Fulwood Management and at the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Optare chairman John Fickling said: “I am delighted to welcome Jim to the board. With significant experience in business turnarounds, Jim has a proven track record of managing operational change and bringing new product innovations to market.

“He will be invaluable to us and further underpins the strength of the Board as we continue to grow our business.” 

Andrew Brian was appointed chief executive of the Blackburn-based Darwen Group in January 2008 and managed its £16m reverse takeover of Leeds-based Optare in July.

The business which employs around 830 people has seen its share price decline from 29p in July to 6.9p today despite reporting strong demand for public transport throughout Europe.