LEP names new interim chief executive

Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership has hired Ed Watson as its new interim chief executive.

Watson will be in post as Katie Trout takes maternity leave.

Watson is no stranger to the West Midlands having worked with Solihull-based Arup and as part of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Town Centre Task Force.

He said: “I am really excited to be joining the GBSLEP at this critical time, keeping the seat warm for Katie. There is an incredible energy around the region, and I am really keen to get working with private, public and academic partners to drive the growth programme forward.

“GBSLEP has been playing a pivotal role during the current Covid-19 crisis and at the same time it has continued to deliver against its plans via the Local Growth Fund, Growth Hub, the Getting Building Fund and much more. I am looking forward to working with the LEP board and executive team to ensure we can continue to create a sustainable and inclusive economy as we look to the future.”