Parker assembles private sector non-execs for Vision board

Mike Parker, chairman of the new Liverpool Vision economic development agency, has named six non-executive directors to sit on its inaugural board.

In the highest-profile appointment, Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy returns to the board having served during its urban regeneration company era from 1999 to 2008.

The five other private sector directors are all new to the Vision board:

• David Bundred, chairman of Business Angel Investments
• John Kelly, senior executive, accountancy firm KPMG
• Jeanette Kehoe-Perkinson, managing director, Just for People
• Tony Wilson, senior partner, law firm Hill Dickinson
• Dougal Paver, managing director, PR company Paver Smith

Liverpool Vision was formed last month from the merger of Liverpool Land Development Company, BusinessLiverpool and the former city centre URC, Liverpool Vision.

Leahy, currently spearheading the controversial plans to take Everton FC to Kirkby, said: "Liverpool is my home city and I feel strongly about its future so I'm delighted to have this role with Liverpool Vision.

"I've had the opportunity to meet Mike Parker and am impressed by his ambitions for the city.

"I very much look forward to making a contribution to Liverpool Vision, which has the potential to bring together ideas and resources that will ensure big plans can become a reality."

All six will offer their services free of charge, following the lead set by Parker who began his search for business leaders by waiving his chairman's salary and calling for those interested in joining his non-executive team to be prepared to do likewise. More than 60 people expressed serious interest in the six board positions.

Parker, group chief executive of BNFL, said: "In looking for members of the board I needed Liverpool people who are experienced business leaders and who care about Liverpool and who are committed to establishing Liverpool as a competitive European city.

"It's a real boost to Liverpool Vision and the city that Sir Terry wants to be involved. He repeatedly demonstrates his commitment to his home city and is an ideal person to assist and advise Liverpool Vision's work.

"He has firm views on where the challenges for Liverpool lie and is someone worth listening to, because as a regular visitor he knows the city well and of course he is a successful and dynamic business leader.

"He and I share common ground, not least a desire to see Liverpool step up to another level and for the city to become an important destination for business and tourism."

The remainder of the board is made up of a representative from each of English Partnerships and the North West Development Agency and three Liverpool city councillors.

The board will now work with chief executive Jim Gill to map out the company's strategic goals and implement the business plan.