'We are moving at pace to create jobs' - New chief executive for West Midlands Combined Authority announced
A permanent new boss of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has finally been appointed.
Ed Cox was confirmed as the new chief executive of the authority at a Board meeting on Friday (February 13), having acted as interim since June last year.
He had stepped up to the role in an acting capacity following the departure of former chief executive Laura Shoaf.
WMCA said, during his time as interim, he has:
Delivered the first Regional Investment Summit, launching the West Midlands Investment Prospectus and securing £1 billion in private investment.
Launched the West Midlands Growth Plan, setting out how the regional economy will grow by £17 billion and put an extra £8,600 into residents’ pockets by 2035.
Overseen a fourfold increase in housing delivery, keeping the WMCA on track to meet its 7,000-home target for 2025/26 and launching a Social Housing Accelerator to convert 1,000 homes to social rent.
Commissioned the Rosewell Review to strengthen delivery of major infrastructure projects and maximise value from the £2.4 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.
Implemented a £75 million construction skills package and expanded programmes such as West Midlands Works, which will support 93,000 people into good-quality jobs over the next decade.
Mayor Richard 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 for the West Midlands.”
Birmingham-born, Ed joined the WMCA in May 2020 as Director of Public Service Reform.
He later became Deputy Chief Executive, leading strategy, economy and net zero, before being appointed Interim Chief Executive in June 2025.
He said said: “It has been a privilege to serve the West Midlands over the past five years, and I’m incredibly excited to continue this by leading the WMCA at such a critical moment for the region.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor, our councils and partners to deliver real improvements for our people and businesses with the most ambitious development opportunities we’ve seen in decades and a growing range of devolved responsibilities that will build a stronger, more inclusive regional economy.”
