Bryan Gray is chairman of the North West Development Agency

Bryan Gray, chairman of the North West Development Agency (NWDA), will chair the board and council leader Warren Bradley will be his deputy.

Brookside and Hollyoaks creator Phil Redmond has been named as the creative force behind next year's celebrations.

The Liverpool 08 board was reorganised following the cancellation of much of the Mathew Street Festival last month.

Also on the board are Professor Drummond Bone, Vice Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, Councillor Mike Storey and Tom Bloxham, chairman of Arts Council England in the North West.

Phil Redmond has been named as creative director

A statement from Liverpool Culture Company said: "The decision was taken to slim down the board to ensure that it is able to react more quickly and fast track decisions for the 08 schedule."

Mr Gray said: "We have moved quickly to complete the formation of the new board in order to focus our attention on delivery of the 2008 programme which was agreed earlier this week.

"This is a very strong board which will work hard on behalf of the people of Liverpool, the wider region and the country to deliver European Capital of Culture 2008 on behalf of the UK.

"We all look forward to working with the Liverpool Culture Company Chief Executive Jason Harborow and his team over the coming year."

Mr Gray is also a director of Culture Northwest, a trustee of National Museums Liverpool, a member of Liverpool Cathedral Council and chairman of Lowther Castle and Gardens Trust.