1. Chamberlink July Aug 1-30.qxp_Chamberlink 29/06/2021 11:53 Page 19
Business News
Interim boss takes over at local authority Laura Shoaf (pictured), managing director of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), has been appointed interim chief executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority. She joined the authority when it was formed in 2016, having previously worked at the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority and as director of transport for the Association of Black Country Authorities. She has more than 20 years’ experience in delivering regeneration projects and is currently responsible for delivering a multi-billion transport investment package.
‘We’ve come so far in five years and I want to build on those successes’ Laura said: “The WMCA is a fantastic organisation, committed to making a difference to the lives of everyone in the West Midlands. I am thrilled to be leading us through some exciting times including our first virtual summit on climate change, a summer of skills events and recovering from the impact of Covid. “We’ve come so far in five years and I want to build on those successes by growing our national platform and taking the West Midlands from strength to strength. We can only achieve this together as a region so a key focus will be about making the WMCA a great partner to the people and institutions of the West Midlands.” West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “We had some very strong applicants for the role, but I am pleased to appoint Laura as our new interim chief executive.
“The West Midlands has been badly impacted by Covid, and we are now at a pivotal point in our region’s recovery and I look forward to working with Laura on that recovery. “Laura already has a fantastic track record of successes that makes her well-suited to the role. “Her experience in managing complex, multi-million pound projects, and shaping government policy will be a real asset as we look to bounce back from the pandemic and work together to build more homes; expand the transport network; upskill workers for the jobs of the future; and attract more investment into the West Midlands.”
July/August 2021 CHAMBERLINK 19
