Lucy Winskell OBE has announced her decision to step down as Chair of the North East Combined Authority Business Board.
Lucy, who has been a long-standing advocate for the North East’s business community, became the first Chair of the North East Combined Authority’s Business Board, upon its creation earlier this year.
Prior to her role as Chair of the North East Combined Authority Business Board, Lucy served as Chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for four years. She played a key role in transitioning the LEP Board into the new Mayoral Combined Authority on May 7, ensuring that businesses in the North East had a powerful voice in regional development.
Lucy’s leadership has been pivotal in aligning regional economic priorities, driving strategic investment, and championing growth across key sectors.
Reflecting on her tenure, Lucy Winskell OBE said: "It has been an honour to serve as Chair of the North East Combined Authority’s Business Board and to work alongside such dedicated individuals committed to the growth and prosperity of our region at such a critical time.
“Together, we’ve made remarkable strides in establishing the North East as a centre for innovation and sustainable business growth. I look forward to seeing the Business Board and the wider business community continue to shape our region’s future in the next chapter of this journey."
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness commended Lucy’s dedication, adding: "Lucy has been a true champion for the North East, and her efforts have strengthened our ability to create opportunities for people across our region. I thank her wholeheartedly and look forward to building on her achievements as we work to make the North East the best place to live, work, and thrive."
Lucy is the Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, His Majesty’s representative in the County, having taken up office in May 2022. Prior to that she was a Solicitor in private practice for 24 years, and subsequently Pro Vice-Chancellor at Northumbria University for 12 years.
During her time at Northumbria, Lucy played a key role in the development of the University’s relationships with local government, the cultural sector and business, helping shape Northumbria’s contribution to regional economic, cultural and social development and graduate employment and particularly championing student and graduate start-ups.
Lucy will attend the North East CA Cabinet for the final time on 26 November, when the meeting will discuss proposals for a revised Business and Economy Board. The open recruitment process for her successor will begin following the meeting.