11 December 2006
New Chief Executive announced for Cumbria Vision
Cumbria Vision, the organisation established to provide
strategic leadership for the economic development of Cumbria, has appointed
Richard Greenwood as Chief Executive.
Mr Greenwood, who takes up his role
on 1st February 2007, moves from the Learning and Skills Council in
Gloucestershire where he spent three years as Area Director. Here, he was
responsible for leading the development of the county's skills base through
planning and funding post-16 education and training, as well as forging
educational links with economic development.
Richard has spent much of
his working life in the commercial world, including eight years with national
retailers, four years as a marketing director and then as managing director of
three companies in the manufacturing, distribution and steel stockholding
industries. He was also a Chairman of Coventry Chamber of Commerce.
In
his new role, Mr Greenwood will work with the Cumbria Vision Chairman and Board,
as well as key delivery partners, on the implementation of the emerging Cumbria
Economic Regeneration Action Plan. This focuses on growth priorities for Cumbria
such as business enterprise, nuclear activity, advanced manufacturing and
education, including the establishment of a University for Cumbria.
Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development
Agency (NWDA), welcomed the appointment:
"The link between an effective
skills base and economic development cannot be overstated so I am confident that
Richard's strong skills and business background ensures that he is well-placed
for this challenging role. With a strong and focused action plan in place, and
now with Richard's appointment, I am convinced that Cumbria has the commitment
and leadership required to drive forward a real and marked change in Cumbria's
economic future."
Richard Greenwood, incoming Chief Executive of Cumbria
Vision, commenting on his new appointment, says:
"I am very much looking
forward to relocating into Cumbria in the New Year and working with partners to
create a strong, vibrant and successful Cumbrian economy that sustains our
communities and protects our world class environment."
Peter Stybelski,
Chief Executive of Cumbria County Council, said:
"This appointment is
great news for Cumbria. The challenge for us all is to work in partnership to
deliver the results necessary to make Cumbria one of the best places to do
business."
ends
Notes to editors
• Richard Greenwood
currently lives in Solihull. He has visited Cumbria every year since the age of
11 to walk the fells and knows the area very well. Richard has two children who
are both at University. Apart from keeping fit he has numerous other hobbies
including golf, tennis, badminton and horseriding.
• Ian
Haythornthwaite, the current Interim Chief Executive of Cumbria Vision, will
remain in post until 1st February 2007.
For further information please
contact Rachel Ormandy, Senior Press Officer on 01925 400237 or 07810 528449 or
Rachel.Ormandy@NWDA.co.uk
For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at
www.nwda.co.uk
The
Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and
regeneration of England"s Northwest and is responsible
for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging
investment
• Matching skills provision to employer
needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting
the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region's outstanding quality of life