London Development Agency chief quits

The chief executive of the London Development Agency, Michael
Ward, has announced that he is standing down from the post after
three and a half years. 

Having set up the LDA, Ward said it was time to improve his
work-life balance and move on to work on “future policy for
the regional development agencies and London government”.

A spokesperson for the LDA dismissed suggestions that Ward left
the chief executive role following a critical unpublished report by
management consultants KPMG.

She insisted that it was Ward himself who had brought KPMG into
the organisation last year and who had then overseen a restructure
and key appointments following the visit.

Ward will continue to work for the LDA as a consultant on
regional economic policy, undertaking a programme of work in
conjunction with government departments and universities.

Deputy chief executive of the LDA Manny Lewis will be acting up
until June when the post will be advertised.