Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has today named Francis Christie, of Francis Christie Limited, as its proposed new Chair of the LEP’s Business Board.
This latest announcement follows an extensive recruitment exercise which culminated in the appointment of 21 members of the new Business Board (September 2014) by the Appointments and Remuneration Committee.
The Worcestershire LEP Business Board includes representatives from a wide range of organisations and professions. The Board provides a sounding board for advice and constructive, critical challenge to the Executive Board. Its role is to ensure that the voices of local businesses are heard, as well as being a conduit to facilitate wider engagement with leaders in the business, public and third sector communities.
Francis Christie has a proven track record within business having held positions as Director and Vice-President in 7 European companies. Francis has run his own local company, Francis Christie Limited, delivering services in Worcestershire for 12 years. He is a professional coach, mentor, facilitator and consultant working with business leaders on transforming themselves, their teams and their businesses.
Francis led the team that made the successful bid to set-up the Worcestershire LEP in 2010. He was selected as the Acting Chair of the Executive Board and chaired the selection panels for the first WLEP Business Board and the appointment of the Executive Chair in 2011. Since then, he has served as Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risks (FAR) Committee and as a member of the Business Board.
The proposed appointment will be discussed by the Executive Board on 20 November and providing that the appointment is ratified, Mr Christie will take up the role with immediate effect. He will also join the Executive Board to represent the views of the Business Board.
Peter Pawsey, the Chair of the Executive Board for the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “We were delighted with the quality of applications we received for the Business Board and the role of Chair is an absolutely crucial position as we enter the delivery phase of projects funded through the Worcestershire Growth Deal.
“We recognise the wealth of experience and skills that Francis Christie would bring to this role and on 20 November, the LEP Board will meet to formalise the appointment.”
Francis Christie, the proposed new Chair of the Worcestershire LEP’s Business Board, said: “It is an honour to have been nominated for this position. The Business Board is uniquely positioned to ‘be the voice’ of the business community in Worcestershire. In the event that I am appointed, I can assure you that I recognise the critical role that the Business Board can play in shaping the long term prosperity of Worcestershire. I am ready to take-up the challenge of leading this influential group.”
The next Business Board meeting will take place on 3 December 2014
Pictured Francis Christie