Future Humber strengthens leadership team to support Humber through period of change

The appointments follow the recent confirmation of Andrew Dawes as Chair and reflect a deliberate focus on ensuring the Humber has a clear, credible and united voice as the region enters a new phase of political and economic change. 

With new Mayoral Combined Authorities forming on both sides of the Humber and key pan-regional partnerships continuing to evolve, Future Humber has taken targeted steps to reinforce its foundations, sharpen its strategic focus, and remain effective, agile and influential on behalf of the region. 

These promotions are not organisational expansion for its own sake. They are a direct response to what Humber needs now: leadership that can provide clarity, connection and influence at a time of transition. 

Future Humber’s immediate priorities include strengthening and energising its Bondholder business network, maintaining Humber’s presence and influence in key regional and national forums, embedding the Humber Place Brand values, and supporting strategic partnerships including Humber Freeport and the Humber Energy Board. 

As part of this next phase, Future Humber has confirmed the following senior appointments: 

Leahann Barnes (left) has been promoted to Head of Place & Partnerships. In this role, she will lead the stewardship of the Bondholder network and strategic partnerships, embedding Humber’s place values through people, ambassadors and collaborations, and connecting partners to meaningful opportunities for growth and impact. 

Paige McGowan (right) has been promoted to Head of Marketing & Communications. She will lead Future Humber’s marketing, communications and events strategy, oversee the Humber Place Brand, and deliver high-impact programmes that strengthen the region’s visibility, credibility and influence. 

The promotions support delivery against Future Humber’s core missions: to be the united voice of Humber, to build and steward the Humber Place Brand, to connect ambition to opportunity, and to enable collaboration that would not otherwise happen. 

Diana Taylor, Managing Director of Future Humber, said: 
“These appointments are about ensuring Humber continues to have the leadership capacity it needs at a time of significant change. Strengthening our team allows us to remain focused on the region, provide confidence and continuity, and ensure Humber’s voice is clear, credible and heard.” 

Future Humber works in partnership with business, civic and public sector leaders to champion Humber’s identity, attract investment, support growth and strengthen how the region is seen, both nationally and internationally. 

To find out more about joining Humber’s leadership network, please visit: https://www.futurehumber.com/bondholders/be-a-bondholder