Combined authority announces chief executive

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has announced that its interim chief executive will remain in the role permanently.

Ed Cox, who has led the authority on a temporary basis since Laura Shoaf stood down in June, was formally appointed on Friday after a meeting of the employment committee.

His appointment was approved by the mayor Richard Parker and the leaders of the seven councils that sit on the board.

The board recently agreed to raise the chief executive's pay band for 2026-27 to between £197,825 and £250,000, up from £180,000 to £215,000.

The mayor told members it was important to "attract and recruit and retain the best people" and said the revised salary reflected the scale of responsibility and brought the region into line with other combined authorities.

Last October, Cox's interim arrangement was extended for a further six months after board members were told the search for a permanent replacement had failed to identify a suitable candidate.

Speaking on Friday, Parker said: "Ed has provided strong leadership at an important moment for our region. He has driven delivery, strengthened our partnerships and brought clarity and focus to the organisation.

"We are moving at pace to create jobs, build homes and improve transport. Ed's appointment gives us stability and momentum as we deliver the growth plan and secure more investment."

Cox said it was "a privilege" to serve the region and that he was "incredibly excited" to continue leading the organisation.

"I look forward to continuing to work with the mayor, our councils and partners to deliver real improvements for our people and businesses," he said.

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