The chief executive of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has said he will retire next year.
Frank Rogers has a career spanning almost 40 years in both the private and public sectors - and made a "major contribution" to setting up the organisation.
Born in Liverpool, he began public sector work in the city 15 years ago as the general manager of the Mersey Tunnels, before becoming director general of Merseytravel and then the first chief executive of the combined authority.
During that time, the combined authority said he has made a "major contribution", including overseeing projects like the £500m procurement of new trains for the Merseyrail network.
Mr Rogers, who announced on Wednesday he will retire in September 2021, said: “I have been exceptionally privileged to have had the opportunity to serve the city region I love over the last 15 years and to have played a part in the huge progress we have made.
“The last few months have brought us all unprecedented challenges, but we have pulled together as a city region to meet them head on and map our route to economic recovery.
“Setting a clear timetable for my retirement next year means that we can put in place a smooth transition for appointing my successor to take the Combined Authority on the next phase of our journey as we work to build back better.
“I’d like to thank the Metro Mayor and the many people who have supported me over the last few years.”
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor, said: “Frank has played an absolutely pivotal role in the progress we have made in the city region over recent years. He has made a huge contribution to improving the lives of the 1.6 million people we serve, with an unshakeable determination and integrity.
“In many ways, his career and contribution reflect everything that we are striving to achieve, where a working-class kid from Kensington can rise to be Chief Executive of our Combined Authority and give so much back to create opportunity for others.
“I want to put on public record my personal thanks for his outstanding service and wish him all the very best for a long and happy retirement – although I’m sure that it won’t be long until someone tries to tempt him back.”
The recruitment process to find the next chief executive will start later in autumn.
