§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure the effective management of Advantage West Midlands; and if he will make a statement. [129783]
§ Ms Beverley HughesOn Friday 30 June, the contract of Advantage West Midlands' Chief Executive, Tony Cassidy, was ended by mutual consent.
To ensure effective management, Advantage West Midlands will now seek to recruit a replacement. They have also arranged for the post to be filled on a temporary basis by John Edwards, Regeneration Director of Advantage West Midlands, and previously Chief Executive of the Rural Development Commission.
The Chief Executive of any non-departmental public body (NDPB) is accountable to the board. The position of the Chief Executive, and of any employee of an RDA, is an internal matter for that RDA.
I am confident that the Board and the Chairman are working in the best interests of the West Midlands.