Mr Booth’s acknowledgement of Mr Catchpole’s achievements follows the news Mr Catchpole’s is leaving TVU to take up a role with South East Midlands LEP.
Under Mr Catchpole’s stewardship TVU became one of the first Local Enterprise Partnerships to secure Government approval and since then he has spearheaded a wide range of regeneration and economy-boosting projects.
Mr Booth said: “Stephen has been an outstanding advocate for Tees Valley.
“His passion, drive and ability to work with a wide range of partners, investors, stakeholders, influencers and governmental bodies at local, regional, and national level have helped diversify and strengthen the area’s economic foundations.
“He leaves TVU well-prepared as it embarks on an exciting new era as part of the Tees Valley Combined Authority. We all wish him well for the future.”
Mr Catchpole, who was on a fixed term contract, will leave at the end of month (March) to take up his new role as Chief Executive with South East Midlands LEP.
The process to find a successor is underway.