South: SEEDA names new chairman

The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) has named Rob Douglas as the organisation’s new chairman.

Economic development minister Rosie Winterton announced the three-year appointment. Rob Douglas will take over from current SEEDA chairman Jim Brathwaite, who will have been in post for seven years at the end of this year. Douglas begins a handover period on September 1, taking over formally on November 2.

Douglas is a business consultant who will bring extensive international business experience to SEEDA. He was previously a senior executive with Royal Dutch Shell, where his roles included area co-ordinator, China and East Asia; chief executive, Shell Belgium; Chief Executive, Shell Italy; and vice-president for Mergers and Acquisitions in the Global Exploration and Development Business.

He also has previous experience of SEEDA, serving as a board member from 2001 and deputy chairman from 2003-2007.

Douglas said: “I am excited to be rejoining SEEDA at this critical time for the South East economy and I relish the opportunity to lead SEEDA through the challenging times ahead. My top priority will be to help businesses through the recession and make sure they are well-placed to take advantage of new opportunities when the economy recovers.”

Outgoing SEEDA chairman Jim Brathwaite said: “I am proud to be passing over the reins of an organisation that has consistently met its objectives and delivered real value to the South East. Many challenges lie ahead in bringing the South East out of recession and restoring the business optimism and growth that contributes so much to prosperity and quality of life in our region."