THE North West Regional Development Agency has started the search for its next chairman, the Daily Post can reveal.
Bryan Gray’s second three-year term at the helm of the organisation comes to an end in December, and a new person will be needed to take on the job.
In accordance with the rules governing how such agencies operate, Mr Gray could only serve for a maximum of six years.
His position has been advertised with a salary of £130,000 pro-rata and it is expected his replacement will be announced in July.
Last night, chief executive Steve Broomhead said Mr Gray had done a fantastic job and the ideal candidate needed to be someone who had been successful in the world of business.
Mr Gray took over at the agency in April, 2002. He is also chairman of the Liverpool Culture Company.
He has held senior positions in the Lancashire-based boiler-making company, Baxi, and has been a keen advocate of North West industry.
He was also formerly chairman of Preston North End, and is credited with helping regenerate the club’s Deepdale ground.
Mr Broomhead said the deadline for applications would close at the end of January and interviews would be likely to take place in April.
He added: “It’s not something I will personally be involved in. The final decision will be made by the Prime Minister.
“The background information for applicants says the agency is looking for someone with experience in business and who should have been successful in the world of business.
“The job is done on a two to three days a week basis.
“Bryan works three days a week because we have got a very big region. This is on top of everything else he does, such as the Capital of Culture.
“He has done a fantastic job for the region and always rises to the challenge.”
One of the major projects that the agency pays for and which is overseen by Mr Gray was the creation of the National Biomanufacturing Centre, which formally opened in November, 2006.
At the time the £24m facility opened, Mr Gray said the agency had identified biotechnology as one of six economic sectors which were crucial to the future of the region.
davidbartlett
