West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has appointed Dr Henry Kippin as its Director of Public Service Reform.
He now joins the WMCA on a full-time basis having served as its interim director.
His appointment is the latest in a 15-year career developing public service policy and practice with a wide range of organisations, including HM Government and the United Nations.
His role will be to reform the way public services are delivered across the region and ensure they address and develop key elements of the WMCA agenda such as employment and skills, mental health, helping individuals with complex needs, and criminal justice.
Henry will also lead on negotiations with the government to secure the future powers and resources the WMCA will need to deliver its Strategic Economic Plan.
He says: “I am delighted to be permanently joining the WMCA, it is an organisation which has already made a huge difference in encouraging and developing collaboration across the region.”
WMCA Chief Executive Deborah Cadman says: “It’s a big job and his record speaks for itself that he will be a great success.”