Paul Wilson, the former chief marketing officer of US specialist software company SunGard, has been appointed as the first chief executive of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Mr Wilson, who relocated to Bristol from Geneva 18 months ago, has leadership experience in international business and the third sector. While at SunGard, a Fortune 500 security software company, its revenues grew from a £1.2bn to £
3.2bn. London-based SunGard UK has a workplace recovery centre in Bristol.
Mr Wilson, pictured, said: “I am thrilled to join the West of England Local Economic Partnership to work on bringing economic growth and jobs to the region, as the Government strives to create strong, sustainable and balanced growth across the country and between industries.
“The West of England is a great place to live and work, and the LEP is making it an even better one.”
The LEP is responsible for boosting the economy of Bath, Bristol and surrounding areas through regeneration and job creation. It has designated Bath's Western Riverside as an enterprise area to attract more investment.
LEP acting director Jane Middleton will continue with responsibility for developing the skills operation across the LEP, working with schools and further education colleges.
LEP chair Colin Skellett said: “Success in any business is built on strong leadership teams. The LEP board is delighted to be able to attract and retain proven professionals with the calibre of Paul and Jane. This is a very exciting new phase for the LEP.”
LEP vice-chairman and leader of North Somerset Council, Nigel Ashton, added: “This appointment reflects the West of England’s continuing commitment to combining private and public sector experience to deliver sustainable growth in the region.
“We are developing a flexible and educated workforce, attracting inward investment, supporting small and medium-sized businesses and developing our infrastructure. Paul will help us achieve these goals and I look forward to working with him.”
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