THE WEST Midlands Combined Authority has a new interim chief executive.
Laura Shoaf is set to take over the reins from Deborah Cadman who will be taking on the role of interim chief executive at Birmingham City Council.
Laura, who was the managing director of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), joined the authority when it was formed in 2016.
She previously worked at the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority and as director of transport for the Association of Black Country Authorities.
Laura has advised on national policy, she has more than 20 years’ experience in delivering regeneration projects and was for delivering a multi-billion transport investment package.
Speaking about her appointment, 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: “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.
“I must also say thank you to Deborah Cadman as she moves onto Birmingham City Council.
“Her leadership grew the WMCA from its foundations, and she has helped create a great base from which we can now build further.”
