Matthew Hammond, Regional Chairman at PwC, is also Senior Partner at the firm’s Birmingham office and well-known for his contributions to the professional services sector locally and nationally. Matthew, who has over twenty years’ experience at PwC, is currently leading a team of over 1,800 client specialists from offices in Birmingham, East Midlands and Milton Keynes.
In his new role as Chair, Matthew will take over from Paul Kehoe CBE, the former CEO of Birmingham Airport.
Commenting on the appointment, Neil Rami, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, said:
“Matthew does an exceptional job at leading PwC’s regional presence, and will bring with him a wealth of expertise that will ensure the West Midlands Growth Company remains a forward-thinking, goal-orientated and competitive organisation. As the company evolves, it is vital that public and private sector knowledge is combined to create the best possible service not only for our network of shareholders and clients, but for the people of the West Midlands. It is an exciting time for our region, and we can look forward to a confident future”.
Matthew Hammond, PwC, Midlands Region Chairman, said:
“I am delighted to be joining the West Midlands Growth Company as it develops and grows from its formation in 2017 by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
“I have watched with great interest at how the team have contributed to the transformation of the region by successfully attracting investment and tourism to help create a more self-assured, prosperous and collaborative West Midlands.
“I look forward to supporting the organisation in the next phase of this journey, as it strives to become the leading regional investment promotion agency, unlocking potential for the West Midlands and the UK.”
Matthew will head a board comprised from the public and private sectors, to oversee and advise on the West Midlands Growth Company’s strategy and direction. The West Midlands Growth Company is aligned to the ambitions set out in the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Strategic Economic Plan.
The company has been established in partnership with Local Enterprise Partnerships, local authorities, universities and a wide range of businesses across the private sector. It focuses its core activities across Greater Birmingham and Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire and the Black Country, with the potential and scope to deliver services in a wider Midlands context.
Neil Rami, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, added:
“Paul Kehoe has provided invaluable leadership and guidance in steering this company through great changes in the past few years. He has overseen the establishment of the West Midlands Growth Company with great dedication and energy, and leaves us in a strong position for the future.
“It has been a privilege to work so closely with Paul, and we wish him well for the future. I have no doubt that he will continue to be one of the West Midlands’ best ambassadors.”