Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has appointed Peter Read as chairman (from 17 July). With more than 40 years of experience in the aviation sector at both director and board level, he brings a combination of public- and private-sector experience to the role.

He is the current non-executive chairman of the Airline Group and a board member of National Air Traffic Services.

He said: “I am delighted to become chairman of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP as we continue negotiations with the Government on future investment in the sub region. I look forward to working with the other members of the LEP board in delivering our growth plan and driving forward our objectives to accelerate economic performance through business investment, international trade and infrastructure schemes.”