Lawyer Neil McLean appointed Leeds LEP chairman

He is the managing partner of DLA Piper Leeds, one of the largest law firms in the world and a key employer in the region.

He has served on the Leeds Skills Board, is a director of the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and is Chairman of the Board of Governors of Leeds City College.

Councillor Steve Houghton, Chair of the Leeds City Region Leaders Board, said: "I am delighted to welcome Neil on board. Neil will bring along years of experience working in the private sector and great expertise in economic regeneration and commerce. Neil has a clear understanding of the needs of our economy and will be a valuable asset in the transition to the new partnership and in developing the future direction of the LEP."

Mr McLean said: "The new partnership will bring along the opportunity to prove the difference private and public sector collaboration can really make to our economies at these difficult times. I am very happy that I've been given the opportunity to represent the private sector as the Chair of the Board and I am looking forward to contribute to the development of the new partnership".

The chair of the LEP board will now lead the recruitment of the board members. The board will be responsible for developing the business case for the local enterprise partnership, deliver the partnership's proposals and oversee the process to a fully operational status.

It is anticipated that the board will be in place in the next few weeks and will be fully operational by April 2011.