The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) has decided to appoint two joint-chairs as it works with partners on proposed devolution while continuing its day-to-day business.
Andy Reed OBE, who has been serving as interim chair since Kevin Harris stood down in April, will continue to focus on shaping the future of the LLEP.
The former Loughborough MP has also been meeting with representatives of local and national governments in recent months against the backdrop of a proposed County Deal or other devolution arrangement.
It comes amid concerns that a potential devolution deal for a joint mayor of Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – eligible £1.14 billion funding over 30 years – could leave Leicester and Leicestershire lagging behind. Leicester already has an elected mayor.
Mr Reed will also continue to lead on external strategy, supported by new co-chair Anil Majithia.
Mr Majithia, who is a non-executive director and trustee for a number of organisations, has served on the LLEP board for four years and will focus on day-to-day business activities and internal governance.
Mr Reed said: “We’ve been talking regularly with our partners and other stakeholders about proposed devolution since the start of the year now.
“It’s good that Anil will be joining me as co-chair to support our board and leadership team on our business-as-usual activities as I focus on engaging with local political leaders as they work to find the best devolution solution for Leicester and Leicestershire.”
Mr Majithia said: “I’m delighted to partner with Andy as co-chair and am looking forward to working with board members and teams to ensure that appropriate board level oversight and assurances are in place to support good corporate governance of our day-to-day operations.”
Mr Reed is the director of a specialist strategic consultancy and Mr Majithia has more than 30 years of global business experience.
A separate recruitment process has been conducted over the summer to find new directors to sit on the LLEP Board, working the co-chairs and the LLEP’s leadership management team.
Three new directors have been offered positions as a result of the recruitment exercise and will be introduced to the board at the AGM on September 28.
