West Midlands Combined Authority Chief quits after four years in role

Chief Executive Laura Shoaf said she is ‘sad’ to be leaving the organisation she has been with since its inception, but was confident she was leaving it in good hands.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said she had done an “exemplary job for the region” during her time in the top job.

Laura, who will remain in the role until June 17, will continue as chair of Shadow Great British Railways.

Ed Cox, WMCA Deputy Chief Executive, will step up as Interim Chief Executive while a recruitment process gets under way for a permanent replacement.

In 2022, she was honoured with a CBE for services to economic regeneration in the West Midlands.

WMCA said Laura had been instrumental in a string of successes during her time including:

Securing a tenfold increase in investment in the region’s transport network;

Doubling the tram fleet and completing three expansions;

Securing funding and beginning construction on five new railway stations;

Securing the region’s first integrated settlement at £389 million; and

Securing trailblazer status for the West Midlands.

Laura Shoaf said: “I have lived and worked in the West Midlands for over 20 years, and I am proud that I have been able to make a real difference for our residents.

“I will always champion our wonderful region and while I am sad to be leaving the Combined Authority, I know I am leaving it with people who care passionately about the West Midlands and will continue to see it go from strength to strength.”

Mr Parker added: “I want to thank Laura for her decades of service to the West Midlands.

“She is one of the country’s most experienced and well-respected Chief Executives and has done an exemplary job for this region.

“I especially want to recognise the work she has done in my first year to help me embed and deliver my priorities – taking the first steps on bus franchising; funding over 500 social homes; training 55,000 people with new skills; and securing a multi-million-pound deal for the region.

“I want to wish her every success in the future, especially continuing in her role as Chair of Shadow Great British Railways.”