TVCA group chief executive steps down

Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) group chief executive Julie Gilhespie is to leave her role as the organisation introduces separate leadership for TVCA and the South Tees Development Corporation (STDC). 

Tom Bryant will serve as interim TVCA chief executive, while John Barnes is set to lead STDC.

The restructure comes as Tees Valley pushes for a new devolution deal and advances major projects, including Investment Zone policy implementation and the growth of key regional development corporations.

Julie, a Middlesbrough native, has played a key role in Tees Valley’s major developments during her six-year tenure as group chief executive. 

Her leadership saw the approval of TVCA’s 10-year Investment Plan, the public ownership of Teesside Airport and the regeneration of Teesworks. 

She also helped drive the growth of Hartlepool’s screen industries, upgrades to Middlesbrough and Darlington railway stations and the transformation of Stockton Town Centre.

Julie, who will remain with TVCA until the end of March 2025 to assist with the transition, said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to serve the area I’ve called home all my life. 

“I took this role to lead a team securing investment and attracting jobs, to make our region a place people can be proud of, and where young people can have excellent opportunities to live and work.

“Over the past six years, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team and Cabinet to do just that.

“We’ve delivered groundbreaking achievements and Tees Valley Combined Authority is making a real difference to people’s quality of life.”

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “Julie is an incredible professional who has worked tirelessly alongside me to deliver the promises I made to the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.

“Her passion for the area she calls home is incredible and she has fought at every step to improve people’s lives.

“She has made an immense impact and the projects she has directed will be positively felt for generations by local people.

“Without Julie, we would not have achieved the progress we have seen, and I would like to place on record my heartfelt thanks for the service she has given to our region.”

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