Search is on for new CEO of London First

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CEO Jasmine Whitbread will be leaving business campaign group London First at the end of March.

Ms Whitbread, who joined London First four years ago, will take up the role of Chair of Travis Perkins, a building materials and equipment supplier. She will combine the position with her role as non-executive director of WPP and of Standard Chartered.

The search is now on for a successor to lead the capital’s campaigning business group through a challenging period for the capital as it recovers from Covid-19, with head hunters soon to be appointed to lead the recruitment process.

Ms Whitbread said: “I’ve had four exhilarating years at the helm of London First, grappling with the impact of the EU referendum and then Covid-19.

“Despite the scale of the challenges our capital and country faces at this moment, I am confident that London’s full potential as the best place in the world for business can be restored.

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“I’d like to thank our members, supporters and allies who have joined us in championing our city as the engine of growth for the whole of the UK.”

Paul Drechsler CBE, Chair of London First, said:“Jasmine has done an outstanding job leading London First and has the respect and appreciation of senior leaders in the worlds of business and politics. We wish her all the best in her new role and thank her for her magnificent contribution in advocating for our city.

“While Jasmine’s successor has big shoes to fill, the role of London First in making the case for the capital has never been more important as it unlocks and recovers from Covid 19.”

Formed in the 1990s, London First has been at the forefront of identifying solutions to the capital’s challenges. It was instrumental in creating the role of Mayor of London and the capital’s first Chief Digital Officer, as well as establishing the educational charity Teach First.

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