New senior management roles at West Midlands Combined Authority

Martin Reeves, Chief Executive at Coventry City Council and Jan Britton, Chief Executive at Sandwell Council have new senior management roles as part of the emerging West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

From 01 March Martin will lead the WMCA as interim Chief Executive, alongside Jan who will take on the role of interim Chief Operating Officer.  Both posts will be delivered on a part time basis and Martin and Jan will continue in their substantive Chief Executive roles at their own authorities.

West Midlands' Leaders agreed on the new arrangements for the WMCA last month, as it is formally established (after approval from individual councils) over the coming weeks - and ahead of its proposed official launch date of 1 June.

Leaders were clear they didn't want to add unnecessary costs or bureaucracy for the new organisation.  During consultation and engagement about establishing the WMCA, residents expressed concerns about the potential costs of any new organisation.  Leaders agreed that moving power, budgets and responsibilities from Whitehall to the West Midlands should not mean extra layers of bureaucracy or new resources spent on senior managers.  Therefore Martin and Jan will not be receiving any additional payments for their new roles.

Councillor Bob Sleigh, Chair of the Shadow WMCA, said:

I'm delighted the WMCA will benefit from the leadership of two Chief Executives who have a great understanding of the region, as well as the issues and challenges involved in creating a Combined Authority.  I know Martin and Jan will work extremely well together and I look forward to working closely with both of them as we focus on the issues that really matter to the people and businesses of the West Midlands; growth, jobs, skills, transport and homes."