Birmingham City Council has appointed Ian MacLeod as interim director for inclusive growth, following the departure of Waheed Nazir.
MacLeod will be responsible for planning, transport and investment for the city council. He was previously assistant director for planning and regeneration, and has worked at the council for more than 17 years. He has been responsible for delivering the athletes village for the Commonwealth Games and led on the 6,000-home Ladywood regeneration.
Simon Delahunty-Forrest has been appointed interim assistant director for development. He will focus on city centre development and planning, in the role previously held by Richard Cowell, who is also leaving the council.
Delahunty-Forrest was previously head of city design and city centre development and lead on HS2 Curzon Street Station, Smithfield Market and city centre regeneration. He has worked at the council for more than 20 years.
The duo will step into their roles in the coming weeks and are expected to hold them for at least 12 months.
Nazir announced his plans to leave the council in September. He will continue to work on major city regenerations, but after a decade at the council is seeking a move to the private sector.
After 11 years at Birmingham City Council, Cowell is going to set up his own planning and regeneration consultancy to support local authorities, supporting public sector and private sector partnerships.
Nazir said: “As 11 November will be my last working day at the city council, Ian will take the reins when I leave. In his role as assistant director of planning, Ian has played a key role in supporting me in driving forward the city’s growth agenda and I have every confidence that I am leaving the city in very capable hands.
“I have no doubt that Ian will do a sterling job in providing the leadership needed to continue to accelerate development and investment activity across the city.”
To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette
