Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership has appointed a new acting chief executive.
The business body's current director of economic strategy Henriette Breukelaar will step into the role as incumbent Katie Trout has announced she is joining inward investment agency West Midlands Growth Company as its new director of policy and partnerships.
Ms Breukelaar has held senior positions in regional economic development in the West Midlands for more than 20 years.
She said: "Under Katie's leadership, the LEP has grown from a small body with no resources to an integral part of Team West Midlands, driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth and investing £1.8 billion into the regional economy once all projects are complete.
"I am honoured and excited to take on the role of acting chief executive at this critical time. Following the publication of the Levelling Up White Paper, the Government has asked LEPs to integrate with combined authorities.
"This will involve negotiation and collaboration with our partners and with Mayor Andy Street and the West Midlands Combined Authority. I look forward to successfully steering the LEP through this transition."
Ms Trout, who has worked for the body since it was formed in 2010, added: "I have absolutely loved working for the LEP but feel that, after 11 years at the helm, now is the time to move on to the next stage of my career and take on new challenges.
"I am hugely proud of what the LEP has achieved over the past decade. I am looking forward to continuing to support the region to realise its full potential in my new role."
