Lurene Joseph has been appointed as the new Chief Executive (CEO) of Marketing Leeds, the organisation responsible for promoting the city nationally and internationally and attracting inward investment.

Lurene joins Marketing Leeds from the London Development Agency (LDA), where she is Chief Executive. At the LDA, she has rebuilt and reshaped the organisation’s brand and reputation with its stakeholders – achieved during a period of increasing budgetary constraints and a focus on value for money. Lurene has a reputation for clear strategic thinking coupled with a focus on delivery and she is currently leading the delivery of a range of regeneration, skills and business projects. Lurene works closely with the Mayor of London, the Greater London Authority, London’s business leaders and local authorities.

She will take charge of an expanded Marketing Leeds, bringing together a wide range of functions and services previously provided by Locate in Leeds, Visit Leeds, Conference Leeds and Marketing Leeds itself. She will lead the delivery of a proactive inward investment strategy for the city, taking forward programmes and initiatives that attract new investment and jobs to ensure Leeds achieves its ambitions.

Prior to joining the LDA, Lurene was responsible for brand and communications across the European arm of the oil giant Shell. She has also held a Vice President position at American electricity corporation TXU. Lurene started her career as a Research Associate in financial services and marketing at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.

Lurene is a Board member of several organisations, including the Mayor of London’s £100 million Green Fund, the investment body SME Wholesale Finance Limited and the Royal Docks Management Authority. She has previously sat on the Boards of Crisis, a national homeless charity and Women Pioneer Housing Association.

Jean Dent, Director of Marketing Leeds will continue acting as Chief Executive until Lurene takes up her new post in April 2012.

Lurene said: “I am delighted to be offered the post of Chief Executive of the new Marketing Leeds. The city is moving forward with a great ambition and there is huge potential here for investment and growth. I am excited by the challenge of spearheading the drive for Leeds to achieve its vision to attract global interest and investments.”

“I look forward to leading the new organisation and with its new wider integrated remit, Marketing Leeds is poised to help drive forward economic growth in the city.”

Andy Clarke, Chair of Marketing Leeds and CEO of ASDA said: “I’m delighted that Lurene is joining Marketing Leeds to lead it through an important phase as it becomes a broader body for attracting new jobs, investment and visitors to our city.  

“With a proven track record of delivery in large organisations within both the public and private sector, I’m sure she will bring a wealth of new ideas and highly relevant experience to this important role, and be a fantastic ambassador for the city.”

Cllr Keith Wakefield, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “It is a great coup for us to have on board someone with Lurene’s vast experience, both in development and in driving forward ambitious plans. She is the ideal person to have at the helm of the city’s inward investment strategy as we pursue our aim of being the best city in the UK.

“Leeds has bold, confident ambitions to boost its economy, job opportunities and the city itself and this is another step in helping us on the path to achieving them.”

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