OREANDA-NEWS. Communities Secretary Greg Clark has today (17 November 2015) announced that Andy Street is to become the department’s Lead Non-Executive Director when Sara Weller steps down at the end of the year.

Andy has been the Managing Director of John Lewis since 2007 and has led the business through times of significant change in both the economy and the broader retail industry.

He is also the Chair of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, the body tasked with driving economic growth in the region.

Sara Weller will continue in her role as the independent Chair of the Planning Inspectorate.

Communities Secretary Greg Clark said:

It is fantastic news that Andy will be joining my department as our Lead Non-Executive Director. He brings with him a wealth of experience and leadership from the business world and as Chair of Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, which will be invaluable as we drive forward our priorities on devolution, local economic growth and housing. I very much look forward to working with him.

I would also like to thank Sara Weller for the superb work she has done on behalf of the department. I am delighted she has agreed to continue in her role as Chair of the Planning Inspectorate at such an important time in delivering the homes and infrastructure our nation needs.

Andy Street said:

I am very pleased to be joining the DCLG Board at a critical time. The role of government and this department in particular is changing in many ways from the implications of devolution to the need to partner with business and communities across the country. I hope my experience will be valuable to the department as it navigates these exciting challenges under Greg Clark’s leadership.