CLES appoints new chief executive

The Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) has appointed Sarah Longlands as its new chief executive.

Ms Longlands, who is currently director of IPPR North, will take over from the current chief executive, Neil McInroy in June.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Ms Longlands holds a PhD on the influence of economic growth policy on spatial planning in England.

Prior to this, from 2005 to 2011, Sarah worked at CLES, initially as a senior consultant before becoming director of policy.

Prior to her time at CLES, she held economic development roles within North Yorkshire and Durham councils.

Her appointment comes as CLES celebrates its 35^th anniversary and prepares to expand its reach into new national and international locations and opens a new chapter in its mission.

‘I am very excited to be joining CLES as its new chief executive at what is a critical time for the UK’s future,’ said Ms Longlands.

‘The work of CLES to strengthen local economies across the UK provides an important and hopeful agenda for local communities and leaders at a time when we are dealing with the crisis of the pandemic alongside Brexit and the climate emergency.

‘For 35 years, CLES has worked with local communities to build a better future through create and innovative ideas for economic development.

‘As CLES’s new chief executive, I am committed to working with local people, businesses, councils and elected leaders to support a fair and just recovery, which works for people across the UK.’

The current chief executive, Neil McInroy added: ‘Sarah is a fellow traveller in the movement for economic, social and ecological justice and a former CLES colleague. She returns to an organisation that has established itself as the driving force behind progressive local economics, positioned at the cutting edge of community wealth building in the UK. Sarah is enthusiastic and smart, and I am looking forward to supporting and working with her before I step down in July.’