Midlands Engine chairman appointed

SIR JOHN PEACE, the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire ane chairman of Experian, has been appointed to be the new chairman of the Midlands Engine.

He will lead the Midlands partnership which aims to drive up productivity and growth across the whole of the Midlands.

He takes over from David Frost, who was interim chairman.

Sir John is also the current chairman of both Standard Chartered and Burberry Group.

The new Midlands Engine chairman will be supported by a Strategic Supervisory Group composed of representatives from local authorities, business, universities, and an executive, which will work together to define, drive forward and communicate the Midlands Engine ambitions.

Sir John will continue to chair Midlands Connect, developing a transport strategy to improve the connectivity of the region’s key locations and drive economic growth.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “It is great news that Sir John Peace will take up the role of Chairman of the Midlands Engine. His business leadership experience and continued commitment to Midlands Connect will drive forward exactly what we want to achieve with the Midlands Engine.

“These are exciting times for the Midlands – the economy is growing, businesses are thriving and inward investment is up. By capitalising on the region’s assets under Sir John Peace’s leadership, the Midlands can become even greater than the sum of its parts.

“I would also like to thank David Frost for his time and dedication as interim Chair of the Midlands Engine. The publication of the prospectus under his leadership was an historic moment in firing up the Midlands Engine.

Sir John said: “The Midlands Engine is a compelling opportunity to better represent the Midlands region, attract significant new investment and create more jobs.

“A huge amount of work has already been done by stakeholders from both the private and public sectors with the aim of growing the wider Midlands economy, and as the newly appointed chairman I will do my best to make this very exciting vision become a reality.”