One of the city’s best known educationalists has joined the board of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership which also needs two new members.

Christine Braddock CBE, who is principal of Birmingham’s Metropolitan College and former Birmingham Chamber president joins the board as it looks to replace Brian Francis, European group chairman of Gestamp Tallent, and Rob Brown, group managing director of Roger Bullivant Ltd, who have stood down due to changes in work commitments for Mr Brown and the end of the one-year tenure for Mr Francis.

Andy Street, chair of the LEP, said: “Brian Francis and Rob Brown have been invaluable in helping to shape the early strategy for the LEP and we very much hope they will continue to be involved with the LEP.

Christine will be a huge asset for us, not only because of her knowledge of a crucial part of the education sector, but also because of her wider understanding of the business community.”

Ms Braddock added: “The board of the LEP has already acknowledged the importance of skills to the economic future of the LEP and I look forward to being able to support the work to drive change.

“The board has an excellent selection of public and private sector representatives and has already made a flying start.”