Member Article

Hodgson stands down from SMD to focus on LEP

Andrew Hodgson has announced today that he will be standing down from his role as CEO of Soil Machine Dynamics Ltd (SMD), allowing him to further focus on his role as Chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Board.

A highly-respected leader in both the region and the subsea engineering industry, Andrew is a recipient of three Queen’s Awards for Industry.

He is a former North East Business Executive of the Year, EY Entrepreneur of the Year, EEF’s UK Manufacturing Champion and was awarded an OBE for his work in manufacturing and the North East economy.

He said: “Stepping down from SMD is a pivotal moment for me and I’m looking forward to the new opportunities that are ahead. I remain fully committed to championing the region on behalf of the North East LEP.

“Since joining the LEP Board in 2011 and becoming the Chair in January 2016, it’s been a privilege to work with the LEP and its partners to drive forward the vision in the Strategic Economic Plan to create 100,000 more and better jobs.

“Brexit and devolution lie ahead, and this will give me additional freedom to work with key stakeholders to ensure the North East economy is strengthened and we collectively benefit from both.”