The Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has announced the appointment of Asif Hamid, CEO of The Contact Company, as its new Chair to lead its work as the business led economic partnership for the City Region.
Asif was formally chosen as Chair by the LEP Board last week (Thursday 6th April), following an extensive and open recruitment process to replace the previous Chair, Robert Hough, who stepped down last year.
On his appointment by the Board, Asif said “I am both honoured and delighted to have been chosen to take on this important role at a hugely exciting time for the City Region. I am deeply committed to the inclusive growth of our City Region and firmly believe that the LEP has a vital role to play in enabling business, the public sector and the whole community to work in partnership to realise the incredible potential of this place we live and work in.”
On taking the LEP forward Asif says: “The LEP has, in the last five years, done a fantastic job in mobilising the businesses in our key growth sectors and the wider community to identify and realise the City Region’s growth potential working alongside our partners in local and central government. As we enter a new phase of governance for the City Region, the LEP is committed to supporting the Combined Authority and Metro Mayor in the successful implementation of the Devolution deal agreed with Government to accelerate our City Region’s economic growth.”
“I am hugely grateful for the support of the many business, individuals and organisations that contribute to the growth of the City Region through the LEP. Without their commitment and contribution our LEP would not be regarded as the most dynamic and progressive in the country and the remarkable renaissance of our City Region would not have been possible.
But I believe this is just the start of our journey. Together we can make Liverpool City Region truly global and competitive that delivers long term prosperity for our whole community and I relish the prospect of Chairing the LEP to help realise that ambition over the coming months and years.”
Professor Nigel Weatherill, LJMU Vice Chancellor and LEP Board Member said: “We are delighted that Asif has accepted the position. He has the right skills, talents and commitment to enable the LEP to continue to deliver economic growth and prosperity for the Liverpool City Region and the wider Northern Powerhouse.”
The appointment of Chair is for a minimum of three years.