New chair appointed to Suffolk Business Board
Lisa Perkins, Chief People Officer and Director of Growth Partnership at Plexal, has been appointed as the new chair of the Suffolk Business Board, succeeding Mark Pendlington, who steps down after completing his two-year term.
Why it matters: The Suffolk Business Board oversees funded programmes supporting business growth and skills development across the county, making its leadership a key influence on Suffolk's economic direction.
The details: Perkins is an established member of the Board and will work with fellow members and partners on its ongoing programme of activity, which the Board says is focused on clean and inclusive growth across the local economy.
Four new appointments have also been made, bringing expertise across agri-food, clean energy, ports and logistics, and the visitor economy:
- Bee Kemball, Managing Director, Debach Enterprises Ltd
- Jonathan Reynolds, Managing Director, Opergy Group
- Genevieve Christie, Chief Executive Officer, First Light Festival CIC
- Andrew Wilkinson, formerly Chief Executive Officer at The University of Manchester Innovation Factory Ltd
Alongside the new members, Steve Beel, Chief Executive Officer of Freeport East, will regularly attend Board meetings as an observer to help ensure coordination between the Suffolk Local Growth Plan and the Freeport East strategy.
What they're saying: Perkins said: "I'm delighted to take on the role of Chair at such an important time for the Board and for Suffolk's economy. With strong foundations already in place, I look forward to working with fellow Board members, partners and businesses across the county to build on this momentum and support Suffolk as a great place to start, grow and invest in business."
She added: "I would also like to thank our outgoing Chair Mark Pendlington for the contribution and commitment he has made to Suffolk's economy."
The bottom line: The appointments mark a new chapter for the business-led body, with a refreshed leadership team tasked with driving growth and skills development across Suffolk's economy.
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