Kenny is new Yorkshire Forward chairman
ABOLISHED regional development agency Yorkshire Forward is to be led by Julie Kenny who will earn more than £50,000 a year for a two day week.
The winding down of Yorkshire Forward is already well under way with 100 staff taking voluntary redundancy in the wake of the Government’s decision to close all regional development agencies by March 2012.
Business Secretary Vince Cable today announced Ms Kenny, managing director of Pyronix, will take over from Terry Hodgkinson as chairman of Yorkshire Forward next month.
Ms Kenny, who is already a Yorkshire Forward board member, will earn £54,479 for working two days a week.
Chairman and chief executive of Pyronix’s parent company Secure Holdings, Ms Kenny is also a commissioner at Doncaster Council earning up to £22,500 a year.
Dr Cable said: “Julie’s impressive experience and business know-how will be vital in the ongoing work to wind down the regional development agencies.
“She will play an important role in what is set to be a challenging and complex time for development agencies across the country and her leadership qualities will allow for this process to happen as smoothly as possible.”
A former litigation lawyer, Ms Kenny set up Rotherham-based Pyronix in 1986 which manufactures electronic security equipment.
She is a commissioner with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, chairman and director of the British Security Industry Association and a board member at Creativesheffield.
Mr Hodgkinson said: “The role of Yorkshire Forward’s chair is going to continue to be one of leadership in a challenging and rapidly changing environment, both for the economy and for the organisation, until our closure in March 2012.
“Julie Kenny has been a valued member of our board and a long standing and active member of the Yorkshire and Humber business community. We still have a multi-million programme to deliver and staff to support throughout this transition.
“I’m delighted to welcome Julie to this appointment as someone who will bring the right organisational knowledge, industry expertise and leadership to ensure that these priorities are achieved, with the utmost professionalism and to the highest standards.”
