Phillips Humber Refinery boss Darren Cunningham has joined the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership board.
The transfer from the disbanding Humber LEP comes after the government insisted on single representation for local authorities, with both South Bank councils electing to go with the county.
Mr Cunningham, general manager and his employer’s lead executive in the Ƶ, took the helm of the site he started out on as a graduate chemical engineer in 2017, having held roles either side of the Atlantic since 1985, while also working as a crude oil trade in London and in Singapore.
“I’m honoured to join the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and look forward to working together as our region looks towards the future in these most challenging times,” he said.
Phillips 66 is playing a key role in the decarbonisation of the Humber heavy industry, working on two high profile collaborative projects - Gigastack and Humber Zero - while also investing significantly in standalone ‘greening-up'.
He has served as an ambassador for pan-Humber economic prosperity and attracting him to the board is seen as a key coup.
Pat Doody, chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, said: “I am delighted to see an individual with Darren's vast experience and capability in such an important sector to the LEP economy, with its change agenda, joining us. Having a key south bank employer on board is also important to fully represent the LEP geography.
“I know the board is looking forward to Darren’s valuable contribution and shares his enthusiasm for the numerous opportunities evident in the north of our area.”
Mr Cuningham, who was brought up on the North Bank, had sat as chair of the finance and remuneration committee on the Humber LEP.
His appointment at Greater Lincolnshire comes as chair and vice chair of the emerging Hull and East Yorkshire LEP have been announced, ahead of the April 1 launch.
As reported, a Humber Leadership Board - made up of the four local authority leaders and the two LEP chairs - will ensure critical pan-Humber agendas such as ports, energy and decarbonisation continue.
