THE new chairman of the East of England Development Agency will be Professor William Pope, replacing Richard Ellis, who is to leave after six years. A member of EEDA s board since December 2006, Mr Pope has experience of a range of economic sectors, inclu

THE new chairman of the East of England Development Agency will be Professor William Pope, replacing Richard Ellis, who is to leave after six years.

A member of EEDA's board since December 2006, Mr Pope has experience of a range of economic sectors, including the low-carbon, environmental and manufacturing sectors, and a successful track record of generating wealth through innovation. His appointment was announced yesterday (Thursday) by Lord Mandelson, the Secretary of State for Business.

Prof Pope said: "I am delighted to accept this appointment and I hope, working closely alongside chief executive Deborah Cadman and her executive team, to build upon the hard work and dedication of Richard Ellis and develop EEDA's current direction of travel.

"EEDA is a well-respected and valued player in the economic development of this region and in this age of dramatic economic change we must ensure that the East of England region remains at the forefront of the UK and global economy.

Mr Ellis, who will formally hand over to Prof Pope on April 1, added: "In Will Pope EEDA has a first-rate business leader. His credentials speak for themselves and he is widely regarded as one of the East of England's leading lights.

"I am certain that with this appointment the East of England could not be better-placed to face future challenges and continue to be a global economic powerhouse.