WYCA picks Palin for interim chief executive
From the start of November, Mike Palin will become interim chief executive officer at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority working with Mayor Tracy Brabin.
Palin will start his role at Wellington House after a handover with outgoing chief executive Ben Still, who is joining Thames Freeport.
The interim appointment still has to be approved at the combined authority meeting on Thursday next week.
Palin has recently been advising combined authorities and local authorities, including WYCA, on partnership working, organisational capacity, and on increasing their delivery capabilities.
He brings with him strong working relationships with key government departments which will help build on West Yorkshire’s momentum at the heart of decision making around devolution.
Palin was previously executive director of markets, partners and places at Homes England where he led on work with Mayors and Combined Authorities, and the £1bn brownfield infrastructure and land fund. He was also previously chief executive of St Helens Council when the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority was formed.
He is expected to be in post for six months, and the recruitment process for the permanent chief executive will begin in the coming weeks.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “[Mike’s] experience of the public sector at a local, regional and national level, working across economic development, public service reform and housing, will be pivotal as we embark on an exciting new chapter in West Yorkshire’s history.
“I would like to repeat my warm gratitude to our outgoing chief executive Ben whose support throughout my time as mayor has been invaluable.”
Palin said: “My background is in devolution, delivery and public service, and I am sure this will be crucial to helping the combined authority build on its impressive track record for the people of West Yorkshire.
“I’m looking forward to working with the brilliant team at the combined authority and to meet partners over the weeks ahead – and as a huge rugby league fan, it will be great to be working in the birthplace of the game.”
