The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has appointed Anne Boyd as its new CEO.

Anne started her career in the chemical industry working for a major global brand before moving to the logistics sector and later economic development, securing leadership roles within regeneration, skills, housing, health and business support and established her own, award-winning business.

She has significant experience of working in and with Government at a national and local level and has led various transformative programmes during her time within the NW Regional Development Agency and director at Sport England in the run up to the 2012 Olympics.

Anne also has a wealth of experience in LEPs, as vice-chair of the Scrutiny Board and member of the Business Growth Committee for the Cheshire and Warrington LEP.

She has joined the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP from the Manchester Growth Hub. In her new role, she will be focusing on economic growth and supporting the organisation in its post-Covid objectives.

She said: "I'm delighted to join the executive team at the LEP at such an important time in its growth and development. I will draw upon my experience to support Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to secure a strong recovery, a return to growth, and a stronger profile in both domestic and international markets.

"For me our Local Economic Partnership is a collaborative movement; a game-changer that will drive more sustainable, innovative and inclusive business practices. We have all the right ingredients for success and together can drive economic prosperity for all."

Alun Rogers, co-founder of risual and chairman of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP, said: "We're really pleased to welcome Anne to the LEP, who brings with her a wealth of knowledge in several areas which tie into our key objectives and priorities for the coming months and years.

"In particular, her knowledge around post-Brexit strategy and Covid recovery will be crucial to our region's economic buoyancy and growth.

"I look forward to many further successes for the LEP under Anne's expert guidance and harnessing her energy and enthusiasm in our shared passion to drive prosperity for businesses and communities."