Ed Cox Confirmed as Permanent Chief Executive of West Midlands Combined Authority
Ed Cox has been officially appointed as the permanent Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), following his interim tenure that began in June 2025. The confirmation took place at a WMCA Board meeting on Friday, February 13, 2026, marking a significant leadership transition for the regional authority.
Interim Leadership and Key Achievements
Cox stepped into the interim role after the departure of former chief executive Laura Shoaf. During his time as interim, he oversaw several critical initiatives that have shaped the region's development. Notably, he delivered the first Regional Investment Summit, which launched the West Midlands Investment Prospectus and secured £1 billion in private investment.
He also launched the West Midlands Growth Plan, a strategic framework aimed at growing the regional economy by £17 billion and increasing residents' incomes by an average of £8,600 by 2035. Under his leadership, housing delivery saw a fourfold increase, keeping the WMCA on track to meet its target of 7,000 homes for the 2025/26 period and introducing a Social Housing Accelerator to convert 1,000 homes to social rent.
Infrastructure and Skills Development
Further accomplishments include commissioning the Rosewell Review to enhance the delivery of major infrastructure projects and maximize value from the £2.4 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. Cox implemented a £75 million construction skills package and expanded programs like West Midlands Works, which is projected to support 93,000 people into quality jobs over the next decade.
Statements from Leadership
Mayor Richard Parker praised Cox's contributions, stating, "Ed has provided strong leadership at an important moment for our region. He has driven delivery, strengthened our partnerships and brought clarity and focus to the organisation." Parker emphasized that Cox's appointment provides stability and momentum as the WMCA works to create jobs, build homes, and improve transport while securing more investment for the West Midlands.
Ed Cox, who is Birmingham-born, joined the WMCA in May 2020 as Director of Public Service Reform and later served as Deputy Chief Executive, leading strategy, economy, and net zero initiatives. Reflecting on his appointment, Cox said, "It has been a privilege to serve the West Midlands over the past five years, and I'm incredibly excited to continue this by leading the WMCA at such a critical moment for the region." He expressed his commitment to working with the Mayor, councils, and partners to deliver improvements for people and businesses, leveraging ambitious development opportunities and devolved responsibilities to build a stronger, more inclusive regional economy.
