The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has appointed a new chairman.
Alun Rogers - who has been acting chairman since June - is taking over the role from David Frost who retired in September.
Alun has been a LEP board member for two-and-a-half years and is the co-founder of Stafford-based IT firm Risual.
He will now head the board with 17 other business and public sector members who will collectively work to deliver a new economic growth strategy and continue to lobby the government to ensure Staffordshire's voice is heard on a national level.
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Alun said: "I stepped up my involvement in the LEP work last year, taking on the acting chair's role.
"I learnt a great deal during the summer while leading a comprehensive review of the organisation and its work.
"We have restructured the board and secretariat, increasing our direct engagement with our business base and civic leaders and working together on our challenges, opportunities and priorities for economic growth.
"I now feel ready to take on the role of LEP chairman and am both honoured and excited to be working for the benefit of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire businesses."
Staffordshire County Council leader Philip Atkins added: "Alun's appointment is great news for both Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and we know he will ensure our great county can fulfil its potential."
Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Abi Brown, said: "I know Alun has a strong passion for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and shares our vision for making the area a great place to live, work, shop and visit.
"His strong background in the digital sector and hands-on experience with business will be incredibly beneficial as we work together to attract investment, grow our economy and bring jobs to the county.
"I'd also like to thank outgoing chairman David Frost for his contribution over the past five years."
