Suzanne Bondto become Chief Executive of the Cornwall Development Company
The Cornwall Development Company (CDC) has appointed SuzanneBond as the new Chief Executive Officer.
SuzanneBond has a wealth of experience representing the economic interests of Cornwall at the highest level.
She will take up her post on 1 November 2010, exactly 20 years after she became Cornwall’s champion in Europe asthe Director of Cornwall’s Brussels Office.
Welcoming the news, MartinBrooks, Chairman of CDC said: “To have attracted a leader of Suzanne’s calibre to work with us is an achievement of which we are justifiably proud. Suzanne has genuine international and national leadership credentials combined with a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise across the range of economic development. ”
Suzanne said she has great ambitions for the future prosperity of Cornwall.
She said: “The business-led Board of the CDC has a vision for Cornwall that is very close to my own: I see a Cornwall that is increasingly confident, innovative, prosperous and outward looking. Cornwall will, over time, leapfrog other regions and act as a great example of a knowledge-based, innovative, low carbon economy of the 21st century.
“It will in fact createnew and exciting models of what asuccessful economy, dynamicbusinessand a vibrant community is. And what is really important is that it will at the same time enhance its distinctive and unique character.”
SuzanneBond also made it clear that engagement with businesses across Cornwallwill be an early priority for her.
CarolynRule, Cornwall Council cabinet member for the Economy and Regeneration, said SuzanneBond’s wide experience will serve Cornwall well. She said: “Suzanne has a breadth and range of experience and will be a true asset to CDC. She is committed to working with business people throughout Cornwall and I’m sure she will build on the great work being carried out by CDC.”
SuzanneBond is currently Executive Director at the South West RDA, a position she has held since 1999, and has also served as a board member of Visit England, the national tourism body, since 2003.
With 21 years working as a senior executive within European, national, regional and sub regional institutions,she has established a strong track record as an advocate and negotiator, often on Cornwall’s behalf.
In the last12years she has held Executive Director-level responsibilityacross the breadth of the RDA’s economic development agenda, leading throughout the South West region on business support, European policy and programmes(including Convergence in Cornwall), engagement with universities and colleges (including driving the investment in the Combined Universities in Cornwall),the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, tourism,creative industries,strategy,skills and the third sector.
Suzannefirststarted working for Cornwall 20 years ago with her appointment as Director of Cornwall’s Brussels Office– the first regional office in Brussels. She said: “Ineach of my subsequent roles I have managed to retain a degree of responsibility for Cornwall’s agenda. However, being able to focus all my energy and experience onCornwall’s economy andto be able to work and live in Cornwallis an opportunity that I am very much looking forward to and where I know I can make a positive difference.”
ENDS
Important information for journalists
1. It is expected that SuzanneBond will take up her post on 1November2010. The opportunity for interviews, pictures and further comment can be pursued with her when she takes up her post at that date.
2. In the meantime, for further general information please contact TeresaTimms at the Cornwall Development Company on 01872 322907 or 07968 515532 orMartinBrooks (Chairman of CDC) on 07866429100.
3. The Cornwall Development Company is a local authority (Cornwall Council) controlled companylimited by guarantee with a private sector majority board.