The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has strengthened its senior leadership team with two key appointments as it prepares for a significant expansion of powers, responsibilities and investment under England's evolving devolution agenda.
The appointments come at a pivotal moment for the region. As the English Devolution & Community Empowerment Act continues to take effect, the Authority's remit is set to grow substantially. During her first year in office, Mayor Helen Godwin secured around £1 billion for the West of England, helping to position the region for further economic growth, infrastructure development and job creation.
The West of England is already recognised as the UK's fastest-growing regional economy, with forecasts suggesting that up to 72,000 new jobs could be created over the next decade. Growth is expected to be supported by major investment in transport, innovation and regional infrastructure.
To help deliver an increasingly ambitious programme of work, two senior directors have been appointed to oversee major investment projects and strategic partnerships.
David Jarman has been named the new Director of Transport Programmes after playing a leading role in several of the region's most significant transport schemes.
Having joined the combined authority in January 2022 as Head of Rail, Jarman helped deliver the opening of the Portway Park & Ride and Ashley Down railway stations. He has also led major projects including the reopening of the Portishead Line, the construction of Bristol Brabazon Station, and the development of the new eastern entrance at Bristol Temple Meads, which is due to open in September.
In his new position, Jarman will oversee the Authority's extensive transport delivery portfolio, including the development of Mass Transit, the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) programme, and a range of rail, active travel and wider transport initiatives.
David Jarman, incoming Director of Transport Programmes, said:
"I'm excited to be taking on the role of Director of Transport Programmes in September. It's a fantastic time, with an ambitious vision for transport, long-term investment and a pipeline of transformational projects ahead.
"Having worked alongside our transport teams over the last four and a half years, I've seen first-hand the talent, commitment and expertise across the organisation. I'm looking forward to leading the delivery of projects that will improve connectivity and make a lasting difference for communities across the West of England."
Annabel Smith also joined the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority in March as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholders.
In the role, Smith is responsible for strengthening stakeholder engagement, building strategic partnerships and enhancing the region's influence across government, business and key sectors. Her work will focus on supporting collaboration and helping to shape a shared long-term vision for the West of England.
Smith brings extensive experience in inclusive growth, devolution and place-based policy. Before joining the Authority, she served as Founding Director of the Growth and Reform Network and previously held senior leadership roles at the Centre for Progressive Policy. She has also carried out strategic policy and partnership roles at Bristol City Council, supporting civic leadership and cross-sector collaboration.
Annabel Smith, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholders, said:
"The West of England has all the ingredients to be one of the most dynamic and successful regions in the country. Realising that potential depends on strong partnerships, shared purpose and a collective determination to create opportunities that benefit everyone.
"My focus is on bringing people and organisations together, connecting ambition with action, and helping to build the relationships and collaborations that will shape the region's future for years to come."
With new devolved powers, significant government backing and an expanding investment pipeline, the appointments signal the Mayoral Combined Authority's determination to strengthen leadership capacity and accelerate delivery across transport, infrastructure and economic growth programmes.
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