Thames Valley: LEP appoints new chairman

Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has appointed Peter Read as chairman of the board, effective from July 17.

With over 40 years of experience in the aviation industry at both director and board level, Read brings a combination of public and private sector experience to the role.  He is the current non-executive chairman of the Airline Group, working closely with the Department for Transport, and a board member of National Air Traffic Services.

Speaking of his appointment, he said: “I am delighted to become chairman of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP as we continue negotiations with government on future investment in the sub region.

"I look forward to working with the other members of the LEP board in delivering our growth plan and driving forward our objectives to accelerate economic performance through business investment, international trade and infrastructure schemes.”

In welcoming Read, Anne Murdoch, deputy chairman of the LEP, also thanked the outgoing chairman: "We owe a debt of gratitude to Steve Lamb; he has been instrumental to the workings of the LEP since it was conceived in 2010. His leadership and expertise have been tremendously beneficial in his time as chairman. He helped secure a number of high-profile achievements for Berkshire – including £107 million in the Local Growth Deal and £15m of Growing Places Funding.

"Read joins at an exciting time as LEPs move to delivering their strategic economic plans. We will benefit from his experience in a variety of ways, which will help shape the economy of the sub region.”