Bristol City Council’s chief executive Stephen Peacock is to join the West of England Combined Authority as its new CEO, it was announced this today.
Stephen, pictured, was previously the city council’s executive director for growth and regeneration, during which time he worked on the City Leap decarbonisation project, the regeneration of Temple Quarter and the council’s housebuilding programme.
He leaves the city council after the local elections on May 2, when the mayoral system of leadership that has been in place for the past 12 years will be replaced by a committee structure.
Among his previous roles was executive director of enterprise and innovation at the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), which was abolished in 2012.
He has also worked in the private sector, including as an equity partner at accountants Grant Thornton UK.
His early career included a decade in the international energy industry following which he was a founding director of 3 Mobile.
At the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) he will replace interim chief executive Richard Ennis.
Stephen said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve the citizens of Bristol during nearly five years with the council, including the past 18 months as chief executive. 
“I wish to thank the Mayor of Bristol [Marvin Rees] for his consistent support during this time and to all at the council for their dedication to their roles.
“Having worked alongside Richard over the past couple of years on delivering our organisations’ shared goals for the region, I also wish to thank him for his efforts and support during his time at the combined authority.
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue the collaborative efforts across our region to ensure the West of England is a place people are proud to live, work and invest in.
“This is a region of huge potential, as recognised by the substantial investment secured for jobs, skills, transport and homes.
“Working together with the mayor, our partner authorities and the political leadership in the region, we aim to build on the success already achieved and grow a thriving and sustainable region for all.”
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris, who leads WECA, added: ”I’m pleased to welcome Stephen Peacock as our next chief executive.
“Stephen impressed all of those involved in what was a rigorous selection process with his vision and passion for the region, his experience and, crucially, his determination to get things done.
“This was a unanimous decision of myself and the West of England council leaders.
“Delivering for local people facing a cost-of-living crisis and an environmental emergency is the focus of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
“We look forward to working with Stephen as we strive to improve jobs, skills, transport and the environment.”
