Paul Callaghan, CBE (pictured), has been named as the new Chair of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, the public private partnership tasked with delivering economic growth for the NewcastleGateshead conurbation, including work to attract major conferences and events.
An economist, author and entrepreneur, Callaghan founded the Leighton Group in 1979. The North East based technology and communications group comprises five separate companies and employs 150 people, with offices in London, Washington DC and Singapore.
Callaghan founded the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, led the formation of Business Link North East, chaired regional development agency One North East (2010-12), and was asked to be the chair of chairs, of all of England’s Regional Development Agencies.
He now chairs NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s Board, which is made up of 19 private sector representatives, Gateshead Council and Newcastle City Council.
“NewcastleGateshead is the region’s capital and its most important conurbation,” he said. “If the North East is to be successful, then NewcastleGateshead must be successful and NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s role is fundamental in helping to shape and drive that success.”
Callaghan takes over as Chair from Jamie Martin, Managing Partner of law firm Ward Hadaway.
The local visitor economy, NGI estimates, is worth £1.3bn and supports 18,799 jobs.
Jamie Martin will officially hand over to Paul Callaghan at NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s AGM on 5 December.
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