'A fresh pair of eyes': new boss of TVCA confirmed

TOM Bryant has been formally confirmed as the new chief executive of Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA).

- By DANIEL HODGSON Local democracy reporter

TVCA Cabinet approved the recommendation to appoint Mr Bryant, following a multi-stage recruitment process. He is already somewhat accustomed to the role, having served as the interim chief executive since March of this year. Now in the role permanently, the 44-year-old will earn the same £160,000 annual salary as he did while serving as an interim.

Mr Bryant has a career in local government spanning more than 20 years. He was director of infrastructure at TVCA - overseeing transport, digital and investment development, taking up the role about 18 months ago. He joined the combined authority in 2019 as head of transport, with more than a decade of experience at North Yorkshire County Council.

Following his confirmation by TVCA Cabinet, Mr Bryant sat down with The Gazette.

He was asked if he thought being an internal hire posed risks in terms of separating himself from any TVCA negativity such as the Tees Valley Review, concerns from auditors EY, or the Best Value Notice.

Mr Bryant said: “I actually see it as the opposite, I think it’s a real strength because I understand the organisational context, I also understand and am under no illusion about what we need to do to improve and I've looked at this with an absolutely fresh pair of eyes.”

And as for continuing on from former group chief executive Julie Gilhespie, Mr Bryant said she had achieved some “incredible” things for the organisation, highlighting the regeneration of the Teesworks site.

He added: “I think going forward, we're obviously different people, different leaders, I guess at the heart of what I want to do is, which is the same as Julie really, is deliver for the Tees Valley.”