Stephen Robertson, the chairman of Business West – the region’s largest business organisation – has been appointed as the new chair of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Stephen, pictured, whose appointment is subject to ratification at the next LEP board meeting in June, is a widely experienced director. As well as his role at Business West, which runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce and the Bristol Initiative, he is also a non-executive director on the boards of Bristol-based FTSE-100 financial services firm Hargreaves Lansdown, retail chain Timpson and listed logistics group Clipper. 
He was previously director-general of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and has served in management roles with Mars, Kingfisher, Woolworths, Unilever and US hair and skin beauty care products firm Alberto-Culver.
He also serves on the advisory boards of trade newspaper Retail Week, retail design conferences firm Legend Exhibitions and digital data management firm PrismaStar.
He replaces Wessex Water chief executive Colin Skellett, who chaired the LEP for five years from its formation in 2011 until he stepped down in January this year.
The LEP board is made up of regional private sector business representatives, the Mayor of Bristol and the leaders of Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset councils.
Stephen Robertson said: “I am delighted to have been selected as chair elect of the LEP and look forward to working alongside the four authorities, universities and local business to ensure we continue to deliver economic growth and jobs for the region.”
Bristol Airport chief executive Robert Sinclair, who has acted as the LEP’s interim chair since Colin Skellett stepped down, said “I am delighted that Stephen has agreed to take on this incredibly important role in driving the economy of this thriving region at this very important and interesting time.
“I have every confidence that he will continue to successfully build on the strong reputation we have as the home of innovation, knowledge and quality of life.”
Stephen Robertson’s appointment was made by a business panel with representatives from local business organisations Business West, FSB, IoD and CBI.
