Member Article

RDA announces new deputy chair

Regional development agency One NorthEast has appointed a new deputy chair. The appointment of Chris Thompson, chief executive of Team Valley-based Express Group, comes after the death last month of the previous deputy chair Christine Smith following a short illness. Christine had been deputy chairman at the Agency for more than three years.

Mr Thompson, whose company provides engineering, design, product development and manufacturing services to a range of industries internationally, has been a board member with One NorthEast for nearly two years.

One NorthEast Chairman Margaret Fay said: “Chris has already proved himself as an extremely valuable member of our board, and his experience and talent will certainly be an asset in his new role within the agency. “I have very much enjoyed working with him at board level, and am looking forward to the closer working relationship we will share as Chairman and Deputy Chairman. “Christine was my deputy since I joined the Agency and I valued greatly her support, advice and friendship throughout that time. I am certain Chris will be a worthy successor to Christine.”

One NorthEast is currently recruiting to fill the one remaining vacancy on its board. The vacancy is for a local government representative to make up the 15-strong independent board. The successful candidate must be serving as a councillor on a district, county or metropolitan council or unitary authority. They should have a good understanding of the complex issues affecting the regional economy; a detailed knowledge of the region, both urban and rural; and a good network of regional and sub-regional contacts.

Application forms will be available from 22 October when the appointment process will be launched in the Sunday Times, and need to be returned to consultants NRG PLC at rda@nrgplc.com by 9 November. For more information call (0191) 2394007.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .