Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) Group Chief Executive Julie Gilhespie is to leave her role following an organisational restructure.
TVCA is to introduce a revised senior management structure which will remove the role of Group Chief Executive and appoint separate leadership for TVCA and the South Tees Development Corporation (STDC).
TVCA Director of Infrastructure Tom Bryant has been appointed as Interim TVCA Chief Executive. STDC Chief Operating Officer John Barnes will take on the role as STDC Chief Executive, subject to STDC Board approval.
The change will support work to secure a new devolution deal for Tees Valley and comes at an important moment for the region, with major opportunities on the horizon.
These include ongoing discussions with the UK Government about the next phase of devolution, the implementation of Investment Zone policy, and rapid progress in the area’s three Development Corporations.
Julie, who was born and raised in Middlesbrough and has served as Group Chief Executive for more than six years, has been at the heart of some of the most significant milestones in the region’s recent history.
This includes securing unanimous backing for TVCA’s 10-year Investment Plan, bringing Teesside Airport back into public ownership and kick-starting the regeneration of the Teesworks site.
Key achievements include the ongoing development of screen industries in Hartlepool, major improvements to railway stations in Middlesbrough and Darlington, the transformation of Stockton Town Centre and the development of Teesworks in Redcar and Cleveland as a centre for green industry.
Julie said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to serve the area I’ve called home all my life. I took this role to lead a team securing investment and attracting jobs, to make our region a place people can be proud of, and where young people can have excellent opportunities to live and work.
“Over the past six years, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team and Cabinet to do just that.
“We’ve delivered groundbreaking achievements and Tees Valley Combined Authority is making a real difference to people’s quality of life.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Julie is an incredible professional who has worked tirelessly alongside me to deliver the promises I made to the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
“Her passion for the area she calls home is incredible and she has fought at every step to improve people’s lives.
“She has made an immense impact and the projects she has directed will be positively felt for generations by local people.
“Without Julie, we would not have achieved the progress we have seen, and I would like to place on record my heartfelt thanks for the service she has given to our region.”
Hartlepool Borough Council leader and Deputy Mayor of TVCA Councillor Brenda Harrison said: "I would like to thank Julie for her hard work and commitment over many years. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish her well for the future."
The proposed restructure was noted by Tees Valley Combined Authority Cabinet in January. Under the agreed process, Julie will remain with TVCA until the end of March 2025 to assist with the transition.
Image credit: iStock
