The chair of the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP), Paul Johnson, this afternoon announced his resignation.
The LEP is now seeking a replacement. His surprise resignation comes as the LEP continues to develop its strategic vision.
Paul Johnson, pictured, was appointed chair in December 2011 and during his tenure has overseen the successful delivery of the innovative and ground-breaking City Deal bid and Local Economic Assessment. 
He has been instrumental in the submission to Government of the European Strategy and the Strategic Economic Plan.
Paul Johnson oversaw the formation of the predominantly private sector board and used his extensive experience to drive forward the four key themes of: stimulating growth, encouraging inward investment, supporting the creation of jobs and skills and developing the economic infrastructure of the area.
His particular knowledge in transport helped the board to create an exemplary Transport Vision for the area and at this stage Paul now feels it is important to recruit a new chair, to take the LEP forward into its delivery phase.
Commenting on his decision this afternoon, he said: “These past two years have been challenging and some of the most satisfying of my career. To have been the first chair of Swindon and Wiltshire LEP has been an enormous privilege. Much has been achieved and I feel I can resign from the chair on a high note, having established SWLEP’s reputation as one of the most innovative LEPs in the country with a strong plan in place for the future.”
SWLEP vice chair Nicky Alberry added: “Paul has achieved a tremendous amount in a very short period of time and we are grateful for his dedication and support over the past two years. As a board, we will now focus on recruiting a new chair to deliver our Strategic Vision through until 2026. We wish Paul every success in his next moves.”
