Authority boss steps down after four years

LAURA SHOAF HAS SERVED AS THE WEST MIDLANDS COMBINED AUTHORITY CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS 15:08, 30 May 2025 The boss of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is stepping

down from the role after four years. Chief Executive Laura Shoaf said she is 'sad' to be leaving the organisation she has been with since its inception, but was confident she was

leaving it in good hands. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said she had done an "exemplary job for the region" during her time in the top job. READ MORE: BUS PASSENGERS IN THE

WEST MIDLANDS TO BE HIT WITH HIKE IN PRICES Laura, who will remain in the role until June 17, will continue as chair of Shadow Great British Railways. Ed Cox, WMCA Deputy Chief Executive,

will step up as Interim Chief Executive while a recruitment process gets under way for a permanent replacement. Article continues below In 2022, she was honoured with a CBE for services to

economic regeneration in the West Midlands. WMCA said Laura had been instrumental in a string of successes during her time including: * Securing a tenfold increase in investment in the

region's transport network; * Doubling the tram fleet and completing three expansions; * Securing funding and beginning construction on five new railway stations; * Securing the

region's first integrated settlement at £389 million; and * Securing trailblazer status for the West Midlands. Laura Shoaf said: "I have lived and worked in the West Midlands for

over 20 years, and I am proud that I have been able to make a real difference for our residents. "I will always champion our wonderful region and while I am sad to be leaving the

Combined Authority, I know I am leaving it with people who care passionately about the West Midlands and will continue to see it go from strength to strength." Mr Parker added: "I

want to thank Laura for her decades of service to the West Midlands. "She is one of the country’s most experienced and well-respected Chief Executives and has done an exemplary job for

this region. "I especially want to recognise the work she has done in my first year to help me embed and deliver my priorities - taking the first steps on bus franchising; funding over

500 social homes; training 55,000 people with new skills; and securing a multi-million-pound deal for the region. Article continues below "I want to wish her every success in the

future, especially continuing in her role as Chair of Shadow Great British Railways."