Ed has led the organisation since June 2025 in an interim capacity, following the departure of Laura Shoaf.

Following a meeting of the Employment Committee, his appointment was confirmed on Friday by the mayor Richard Parker and the leaders of the seven local authorities that make up the WMCA Board.

The mayor said: “Ed has provided strong leadership at an important moment for our region.

“He has driven delivery, strengthened our partnerships and brought clarity and focus to the organisation.

“We are moving at pace to create jobs, build homes and improve transport.

“Ed’s appointment gives us stability and momentum as we deliver the Growth Plan and secure more investment for the West Midlands.”

Birmingham-born, Ed joined the WMCA in May 2020 as director of Public Service Reform.

He later became deputy chief executive, leading strategy, economy and net zero, before being appointed interim chief executive in June 2025.

Since stepping into the role, he has strengthened collaboration with local authorities and partners, helped secure a £2 billion multi-year Integrated Settlement with government and led reforms to stabilise finances, modernise governance and refresh leadership across the organisation.

These changes include a new people and culture strategy and an internal transformation programme aligned to the mayor’s priorities and recommendations from a recent Local Government Association peer review.

He said: “It has been a privilege to serve the West Midlands over the past five years, and I’m incredibly excited to continue this by leading the WMCA at such a critical moment for the region.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the mayor, our councils and partners to deliver real improvements for our people and businesses with the most ambitious development opportunities we’ve seen in decades and a growing range of devolved responsibilities that will build a stronger, more inclusive regional economy.”