Rock boss to join board of new CDC

Dec 10 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

THE board of the new City Development Company for Newcastle and Gateshead will include the Northern Rock chief executive, it was announced yesterday.

The detailed role and structure of the new CDC is currently being developed and the board will meet formally for the first time in February. Chaired by Lord Falconer, the board will review progress and agree priorities to drive forward the pace and quality of economic growth for Tyneside.

The CDC will be led by chief executive Jim McIntyre, who took up his post in early November.

Independent board members include Gary Hoffman, chief executive of Northern Rock; John Abel of Liberty International, the owners of Eldon Square and the MetroCentre; Sir Terry Farrell, principal of Terry Farrell & Partners; regeneration champion Sir Hugh Sykes; Lucy Winskell, partner of Sintons LLP and deputy chairman of Business Link North East; and Andrew Wathey, vice chancellor of Northumbria University.

Partner board members include Ian Dormer, One North East board member and managing director of Rosh Engineering; Newcastle Council leader John Shipley and cabinet member Bill Shepherd; and Gateshead Council leader Mick Henry and cabinet member Catherine Donovan.

Lord Falconer said: “The fact that we have been able to attract such high calibre and influential individuals to join the board is confirmation of the exciting opportunity that exists to help Gateshead and Newcastle realise their ambitious vision for the area.

“The first task of the board will be to produce a business plan aimed at instigating a series of strategic development projects to improve the long-term competitiveness of Newcastle Gateshead.”

The CDC board members will not be paid.