MR John Brown, Director (Europe) of the Government Office North West has been appointed to succeed Mr Stuart Irwin, retiring Director & Chief Executive of the Bolton-based EEF (Engineering Employers' Federation) Lancashire.

Mr Brown, aged 52, is currently responsible for the launch and administration of European Structural Funds in the North West, involving a budget of £300M.

During his lengthy stay with the Department of Trade & Industry (he also has been Director of the DTI in Liverpool) he has had special responsibilities for innovation, technology, environmental issues and management best practice, inward investment, selective assistance and enterprise programmes. He has also had involvement at policy level in Whitehall and Brussels.

Mr Brown will take up his appointment later in the year with Mr David Gavan, currently Assistant to the Director as his Deputy. Mr Irwin is also being retained in an advisory capacity for 12 months. Commenting on the appointment Mr Irwin said: "EEF Lancashire is a very ambitious organisation with a rapidly expanding membership. New staff are being recruited to cater for the wider expansion of services and Mr Brown's considerable experience will be invaluable in taking the Association on from its current level of success."

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