Andrew Lewis has been announced as the Managing Director of recently-launched Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Andrew joins from Newcastle City Council where he was Assistant Chief Executive, and played an important role in securing deals with government on funding and devolution. A former senior HM Treasury economist, and Director of the Northern Way, he is an experienced leader within central, regional and local government. He brings considerable experience working on economic strategy, transport, inward investment and the delivery of complex projects.
The Combined Authority cements and formalises the partnership between the five local authorities and Tees Valley Unlimited (the private sector led Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley), creating a new and even more effective approach to driving economic prosperity and growth in the Tees Valley
Councillor Sue Jeffrey, Chair of Tees Valley Combined Authority and Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “Andrew has the knowledge and understanding of business and partnerships to be able to work closely and effectively with all sectors to develop and seize opportunities to diversify and grow the Tees Valley economy.
“Tees Valley has bold ambitions and aspirations and Andrew’s qualities and excellent track record made him the ideal candidate to take the helm of the Combined Authority.”
Paul Booth, Tees Valley Unlimited Chair and Combined Authority member, said “The calibre and enthusiasm of the Combined Authority’s new Managing Director will be great assets in helping Tees Valley successfully meet the challenges and opportunities ahead, particularly in the key growth sectors of digital and creative, low carbon technology, logistics, advanced manufacturing and engineering. “
Andrewsaid: “I am delighted to be joining the Combined Authority at the start of an exciting process of devolution, with the opportunity to deliver a real step-change in economic growth and new jobs for the Tees Valley”.
“Tees Valley has a reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking area, with huge potential, and a great track record in partnership working.”
Andrew will be leading work to establish the role of the Combined Authority making sure that it functions effectively, prepares to deliver new devolved responsibilities, and that it works in an open and democratically accountable way that is accessible and understood by the people of the Tees Valley.
Tees Valley Combined Authority has negotiated the first phase of an ambitious devolution deal with Government and also will build on the firm economic foundations that have been established by TVU, which now is an integral part of the new statutory body.
The LEP, a successful collaboration between the private sector and local government, aims to create 25,000 jobs and £1bn extra GVA by 2022. The combined forces of the Combined Authority and the LEP will drive and accelerate growth and opportunities for the area’s businesses and residents.
Andrew Lewis is expected to join Tees Valley Combined Authority in July.