Ed Whiting OBE was appointed as Chief Executive of Leeds City Council in November 2024. Ed brings a distinguished career in public service and strategic leadership to the city. Previously, as Director of Cities and Local Growth within the Department for Business and Trade and Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, he spearheaded crucial economic growth initiatives across the UK. His extensive experience includes senior roles in HM Treasury and 10 Downing Street, as well as serving as Director of Strategy at Wellcome, where he championed equality, diversity, and inclusion. Ed's connection to Leeds runs deep, having grown up in the city. He now lives in West Yorkshire with his partner, David, where they are dedicated foster carers.

James Mason is the Chief Executive of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. James joined the Chamber in May 2022 after holding a number of high profile roles throughout his career to date. Most recently as Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, the regional tourism body and as Chief Operating officer / Chief Executive at Bradford City and Rochdale Football clubs, as well as a period working as a sports agent. James studied Journalism at University and as a qualified journalist, James worked for many years as a news and sports reporter with the BBC. He was also the founding director of a manufacturing business he had an involvement in running for over 15 years and outside of his professional career is the founder of two not for profit dementia cafes in West Yorkshire

Steven Foster is Centre Director for Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre, two of Leeds’ leading retail, social and cultural destinations. With over 25 years’ experience in the leisure, retail and property sectors, Steven joined Landsec in 2016 from Manchester Airports Group, where he was Head of Retail. Steven is known locally for driving both commercial success and social value. Under his leadership the centres employ thousands, contribute well over £175-£240 million annually to the Leeds economy, and serve as community hubs through programmes offering youth employment, educational partnerships, and inclusive design. He has overseen major leisure expansions (including The Village at White Rose), sustainability initiatives (solar power, EV charging, green travel) and cultural collaborations such as Leeds 2023.