Mayoral combined authority chief exec to step down
Chief executive of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, (MCA) Dr Dave Smith, is standing down from the role.
Smith has led the organisation since his arrival in 2016. He worked with the Mayor and Local Authority leaders to complete the region’s landmark devolution deal, acted as returning officer for the election of the South Yorkshire’s first and second Mayors, and led the integration of the MCA and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (PTE).
He will leave the post at the end of June 2022, supporting the transition to a new Mayor following the election on Thursday 5 May.
He said: “I am proud to have been part of the MCA’s journey and to have supported the Mayor and LEP’s goals for South Yorkshire. It has been an immensely rewarding role to have and we have made great strides in challenging circumstances.
“After six years in the role I have decided the time is right for me to pursue other interests and opportunities.
“I would like to thank the Mayor, LEP and the MCA’s partners for their support during my time in post and our shared ambition to create a more prosperous South Yorkshire.”
Mayor of South Yorkshire, Dan Jarvis, said: “I want to thank Dave for his leadership and commitment during my time as Mayor, and the support he has provided local leaders and myself.
“We have faced many challenges together – getting devolution over the line Brexit transition, and a pandemic – and we’re indebted to Dave for his expertise and endeavour during this time. I wish him all the very best for the future.”
Interim chair of the South Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Lucy Nickson, said: “I want to commend Dave for his service to the business community in South Yorkshire.
“During his tenure, Dave has supported our efforts to make our region an even better place to live, work and invest. He has put in place strong foundations for the Mayor and LEP to grow South Yorkshire’s economy at scale and pace in a way that benefits everyone.”
Arrangements for the appointment of a new chief executive will be confirmed after the election of South Yorkshire’s new mayor.
