Mersey Gateway Crossings Board welcomes new Independent Non-Executive Director as Board of Directors roles rotate
In a scheduled rotation of the Chair of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board (MGCB), longstanding Independent Non-Executive Director, Rod Holmes is appointed as Chairman and Geoff Brown is welcomed as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
On 1 April this year, Cllr Rob Polhill, Leader of Halton Borough Council stepped down from his two-year tenure as Chairman of the MGCB. This comes as part of a procedural requirement of the contract in place between Halton Borough Council and the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board which sets out the delegation of powers to oversee and administer the Mersey Gateway Project.
It is agreed that the post of Chairman must rotate between Independent Non-Executive Director and Council Non-Executive Director every 24 months. Cllr Polhill will remain on the Board as Council Non-Executive Director.
As Chairman, Rod Holmes will continue to ensure that the Board is effective in its tasks of setting and implementing the company’s direction and strategy.
Rod brings to the role a wealth of experience following his work as Director of The Mersey Partnership, North West Fund, Salford Lowry Centre and the Liverpool Everyman Theatre, along with working on large public and private projects in Canada, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
Rod said, “Cllr Polhill has successfully led the MGCB as Chairman for its first two years and I look forward to continuing the great work towards ensuring the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board and in turn the Project is well delivered.”
The new role of second Independent Non-Executive Director will be undertaken by Geoff Brown, a chartered civil engineer and business leader with a long record of achievement in senior executive roles throughout the UK and internationally.
Geoff brings to the role many years direct experience of the procurement, design and delivery of major transportation projects worldwide. As Independent Non-Executive Director Geoff will provide objective challenge, and will deliver strategic support to both the Chief Executive and the Board of Directors.
Geoff said, “I am delighted to be joining the Mersey Gateway Crossing Board Ltd and look forward to working with my colleagues in the delivery of this iconic project.
I am joining the team at a very exciting time as the bridge and the approach roads are rapidly take shape. I’m sure that many people are looking forward to experiencing the reduction in journey times and the economic benefits that the scheme will bring to the region.
For my part, I am absolutely committed to supporting the project team in successful completion of the construction, and in ensuring a smooth transition to full operation.”
The Board of Directors consists of Chief Executive, David Parr, Chairman, Rod Holmes, Council Non-Executive Directors Cllr Rob Polhill and Cllr Mike Wharton, Independent Non-Executive Director, Geoff Brown, Finance Director, Helen Dearden and Construction Director Paul Fenwick.
