New deputy chief executive for GFirst LEP

GFirst LEP has announced the appointment of a new Deputy Chief Executive today, with Dev Chakraborty to join the Local Enterprise Partnership in February. Current Deputy Chief Executive, Pete Carr, is leaving the organisation on secondment to Gloucestershire County Council as the Lead Commissioner for Employment and Skills.

Dev joins the LEP from The Growth Hub, where he has spent two and a half years working as a Business Guide. Previously, Dev has held positions as a high growth business coach at Business West, managing director of two radio stations and Chairman of West Country Crimestoppers.

Dev said: “I’m thrilled to be working with GFirst LEP at such an important time and can’t wait to get my teeth stuck in to a great role. The team have worked really hard to accomplish their achievements so far and I’m looking forward to working with them, alongside our private and public sector partners, to build on the LEP’s already strong reputation.”

David Owen, Chief Executive of GFirst LEP, said: “I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Pete for his work with the LEP over the past four years. His input has had a massive impact on the achievements the LEP has made, particularly in securing over £77 million in Growth Deal funding, and €41 million in European funding. The whole LEP team is really pleased for Pete and wishes him all the best in his new role.

“I’m really pleased that Dev is joining the team; bringing years of experience and expertise in business strategy and marketing. It’s an exciting time for the LEP as we await the outcome of our Growth Deal 3 submission and I’m  delighted that Dev will be here to help lead us in growing the economy of Gloucestershire.”

GFirst LEP was created in 2011 as one of 38 Local Enterprise Partnerships across England, with a remit to play a central role in determining local economic priorities and undertaking activities to drive economic growth and the creation of local jobs.