New interim CEO at Yorkshire Forward

THEA Stein is to become the interim chief executive of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward following Tom Riordan’s departure.

The post, which will be held by Ms Stein on a fixed term of one year, has been announced internally to staff, TheBusinessDesk.com has learned.

Ms Stein, presently Yorkshire Forward’s executive director of economic inclusion, is a former chief executive of Leeds North East Primary Care Trust.

Regional development agencies face severe cuts under the new government, as the coalition looks to wield the axe on public sector spending.

However, Yorkshire Forward is known to be seen as one of the better performing regional development agencies so may not face the harshest cut backs.

Mr Riordan is leaving Yorkshire Forward at the end of July to become the chief executive of Leeds City Council.

Ms Stein will take up her new role upon Mr Riordan’s departure.