Exclusive: Yorkshire Forward's interim chief executive named

A PUBLIC sector stalwart with a background in health and social care is set to become the new head of the regional development agency, the Yorkshire Post can reveal.

A selection panel has recommended Thea Stein for the post of interim chief executive of Yorkshire Forward on a fixed term of a year.

The decision is awaiting formal confirmation from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills but it has already been announced internally to staff.

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Ms Stein is currently Yorkshire Forward's executive director of economic inclusion, which covers skills and education, worklessness, equality and diversity and working with local authorities and charities.

She is known to be highly rated by Tom Riordan, the outgoing chief executive who is leaving to join Leeds City Council, and is regarded as "very bright and capable".

The new chief executive will be spending a lot of time dealing with government departments and other public sector organisations as the RDAs prepare for a programme of cost-cutting measures.

The two shortlisted candidates for the chairman's job – banker Chris Pilling and manufacturer Barry Dodd – both have strong business credentials, which would provide balance at the top of the organisation.

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The appointment of the chairman's job has been delayed though, adding to general uncertainty over the future role of the agencies, which look set to be axed in the South and, at the very least, cut back in the North.

It will be difficult to draw up a job description for the role at present because of the uncertainty.

Last month, Ms Stein spoke out about efforts by Yorkshire Forward to attract civil service jobs to the region and has been leading discussions with government departments.

She has also been vocal about the importance of skilled young people to a growing and competitive economy in Yorkshire.

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Before joining Yorkshire Forward, Ms Stein was chief executive of Leeds North East Primary Care Trust.

Previously, she held senior roles at a Scottish health board and a local authority.

Ms Stein has also worked for the Scottish Parliament and carried out research for the Kings Fund and Royal College of GPs.

She started her career as a psychologist and family therapist, working with people with serious mental health problems.

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Ms Stein is a member of the Two Per Cent Club's steering group, a Yorkshire-based networking group for high-powered female executives.

Following ratification by government level, she is expected to assume her new powers following Tom Riordan's departure at the end of July.

A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Forward last night declined to comment.