Vince Cable, Secretary for Business, Innovation & Skills has announced the appointment of Julie Kenny as Chair of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.
Mrs Kenny, managing director of South Yorkshire manufacturer Pyronix and chairman of its sister firm Secure Holdings, will start working as chair designate from 6th December to ensure continuity during the changeover.
Kenny is already a board member of Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency for Yorkshire and Humber, covering West, South and North Yorkshire and the Humber.
She will formally take over from the Yorkshire Forward chair Terry Hodgkinson on December 14, and the appointment will run until the close of Yorkshire Forward, which along with the other RDAs, is tabled for some time in 2012.
“Julie’s impressive experience and business know-how will be vital in the ongoing work to wind down the regional development agencies,” said Business Secretary Cable.”She will play an important role in what is set to be a challenging and complex time for development agencies across the country and her leadership qualities will allow for this process to happen as smoothly as possible.”
Yorkshire Forward’s outgoing chairman Terry Hodgkinson said: “Julie Kenny has been a valued member of our board and a long standing and active member of the Yorkshire and Humber business community. We still have a multi-million programme to deliver and staff to support throughout this transition.
“I’m delighted to welcome Julie to this appointment as someone who will bring the right organisational knowledge, industry expertise and leadership to ensure that these priorities are achieved, with the utmost professionalism and to the highest standards.”
Kenny holds two other public appointments, as Doncaster MBC Commissioner, and commissioner for UK Commission for Employment and Skills. She will receive £54,479 per year for the appointment with the RDA, which is expected to involve a time commitment of two days per week.
The term of appointment runs to 13th December 2012 or when the RDAs are wound up, whichever is sooner.
