Cecilia has worked for a range of businesses including multinationals and SMEs and brings a wealth of private sector experience to the board. In her successful 30-year career, she has held senior roles with responsibility for the strategic direction and financial performance of businesses in the UK and globally.

With a focus has in strategic business development in the health and care sectors, Cecilia was most recently involved in developing innovative, digital technology enabled products and services that help change the way healthcare is delivered.

Cecilia will drive forward Dorset LEP’s ambition to put Dorset on the map to secure investment from the government and the private sector.

Cecilia said, “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair at Dorset LEP. The impact of Dorset LEP’s investments, COVID-19 recovery initiatives, business engagement and careers education activities are being felt across the region and I look forward to representing businesses, using my expertise and experience to help drive forward this work.

“I take on the role of chair as we face some of the biggest challenges in business, in education and in our communities. Dorset LEP already has an excellent reputation for collaborative working and I accept the mantle with confidence that Dorset LEP and our partners really can make a difference for Dorset’s people, and as a place.

“Having recently been awarded an additional £11.8m for local projects as part of the national Getting Building Fund, I look forward to seeing those progress and supporting Dorset LEP’s work across our key sectors, skills initiatives, investment campaigns and our strategic work with local partners and Government. I am keen to get started.”