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Adrian Hawkins OBE appointed incoming Hertfordshire LEP Chair
Hertfordshire LEP has appointed Adrian Hawkins OBE as the incoming Chair taking over from Mark Bretton. Adrian brings a wealth of experience as a successful business leader and champion for skills development inspiring next generations and widening access for all.
Following a rigorous selection process at the end of 2022, the LEP Board ratified the recruitment panel’s decision to elect Adrian as the new Chair on the 8 December. As with previous appointments, a phased transition will now see Adrian assume roles and responsibilities ahead of the March LEP Board meeting at which the current Chair Mark Bretton will step down.
Mark took over as Chair of the LEP Board in June 2016 becoming Chair of the LEP Network in September 2019.
Mark Bretton said:
"Adrian is a big player in the local economy and will bring the drive, dynamism and determination required to lead the LEP over the next few years as it sets out a credible route to a brighter, fairer, and more sustainable future for our economy.
"It has been an absolute privilege to serve our county and indeed our country over the past eight years, and I wish Adrian every success as he takes over the helm. He inherits a fantastic team led by CEO Neil Hayes and a high-performing and highly regarded Board whose members give up their time voluntarily to ensure the Herts economy fires on all cylinders."
Adrian Hawkins OBE said:
"I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to chair the Hertfordshire LEP. Many will know already that I passionately believe in our county, its people, businesses, and institutions and giving back to our local communities.
"Inspire, ignite, innovate were the watchwords for the LEP’s 2022 Annual Conference. In 2023, I want to put those words in motion by getting out and about across the county to speak with businesses, large and small, educators, local leaders, MPs, the police, health and social care sectors, charities, and entrepreneurs to build a future we can all be proud of."
Additional Board appointments
Emma Cameron appointed SME Representative
Emma Cameron, Corporate Partner at VWV specialising in mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance, will take over from Nitin Dahad, Aspencore, as SME Representative on the Hertfordshire LEP Board in March.
Steve Woodcock appointed NFP Representative
Steve Woodcock, Chief Executive at B3Living, will take over from Tina Barnard, CEO, Watford Community Housing, as the Not-for-Profit Business Representative on the Hertfordshire LEP Board in March.
Mark Bretton said:
"The calibre of all the candidates is a real credit to the LEP and each will bring their individual strengths and qualities to the Board. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Board Members who are also stepping down - Tina Barnard, Nitin Dahad, Cllr Linda Haysey and Baroness Taylor OBE of Stevenage - for their dedicated service."
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