South East economic champion appoints Managing Director

Christian Brodie & Adam Bryan

The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) has appointed Adam Bryan as Managing Director.

He will lead the organisation’s day-to-day work as the economic champion for Kent, East Sussex, Essex, Medway, Southend and Thurrock, and its 344,000 businesses.

Christian Brodie, Chairman of SELEP, said: “Adam’s experience and knowledge of what is the second largest LEP in the country, his understanding of the key economic opportunities and challenges facing the area, made him a natural choice for the position.

“While he may have had the knowledge, what was also very clear when he met the interview panel was his passion for the job, his straight talking approach and vhis ision as to how best quicken the pace of delivery by SELEP. I look forward to working with him.”

Adam will lead the SELEP team and work closely with the four federal areas of Greater Essex, South Essex, East Sussex, Kent and Medway, and their respective Vice-Chairs.

Adam added: “These are exciting times for our area. We will do everything we can to shine a light on the impact of investing in the South East and we will play our role in making sure major new initiatives and infrastructure – such as the Lower Thames Crossing – happen as soon as possible and bring about the wider benefits our communities deserve. We must also build stronger relations with London and our neighbouring LEP areas, as the economic success of the South East and the capital are inextricably linked.”

Adam’s appointment follows his time spent as Interim Director after the departure of David Godfrey to the Department of Communities & Local Government.

Prior to joining SELEP in December 2014 and previously leading its establishment in 2010/11, Adam worked for Essex County Council in various senior roles around economic development, as well as having roles at the East of England Regional Development Agency. He is also the Vice-Chairman of the national Chief Economic Development Officers’ Society (CEDOS).