Tony Parkinson
Chair of Middlesbrough Development Corporation
Prior to this, Tony had a 33-year career in Local Government, most recently as Middlesbrough Council Chief Executive from August 2016 to March 2023. He led the creation, launch and implementation of a town-wide Strategic Investment Prospectus with partners from the public and private sectors, driving significant inward investment and infrastructure projects.
At his time at Middlesbrough Council, he has also held the posts of Director of Commercial & Corporate Services/Director of Transformation and Director of Adult Social Services/Assistant Director of Adult Social Care.
Tony has considerable Board experience, having Chaired or served on a mix including political; local and central government; public, private and voluntary sector and; community representatives.
Mayor Chris Cooke
Mayor of Middlesbrough and Deputy Chair of Middlesbrough Development Corporation
Prior to politics, Chris worked in local schools after gaining his degree in IT from Teesside University. Subsequently, Chris was elected as a ward councillor where he proudly represented and served the Newport community. During his four years as a councillor, Chris also worked as a community cohesion coordinator where he supported some of the most vulnerable people living in Middlesbrough.
As Mayor, Chris is determined to make Middlesbrough a healthier, safer and more ambitious town. This will continue to facilitate a climate in which existing and new employees, employers and businesses in the Tees Valley can prosper.
Paul Bell
Client Services Director, Better Agency
From maritime and manufacturing to soft drinks and skincare, Better has partnered with a diverse range of local, national and international clients.
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Tony Grainge
Middlesbrough Councillor
Tony has a wealth of experience of working in the community for most of his working life. Most recently he has been working with the Tees Valley Community Church and helped to set up a community interest company and start a community café.
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Riaz Hameed
Business Owner
Riaz began his career by establishing a business in the hospitality and catering sector aged 20. Then, as a founding director of Hameed Holdings in 1997, he successfully managed multiple businesses, including providing serviced office accommodations, retail shopping parades, affordable housing schemes, Key Worker accommodation and hospitality venues.
From 1999 to 2006, he served as a Board Member and Director of the Middlesbrough Town Centre Company, helping facilitate substantial inward investment and job creation as a key decision maker in assessing grant applications for regeneration schemes – including a £249million inward investment project, creating 3,500 jobs. He has also been a panel member of organisations such as the Crime Reduction Partnership and was instrumental in launching the Middlesbrough Pub Watch scheme.
His drive to contribute to societal welfare led him to join the Lay Visitors Association (now the Independent Custody Visiting Association) at 21, becoming its youngest Vice Chair. This involved overseeing the welfare of detainees and providing critical advice to government and the local police authority. He was also a trustee of the West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust from 2010 to 2013, ensuring the financial stability and governance of the organisation, which managed £52million in New Deal for Communities funding.
In addition to his professional endeavours, he an active member of the BAME community, bringing valuable diversity and insight to any board.
Martin Raby
Principal, Northern School of Arts
He has been the Principal at The Northern School of Art since 2008, and gained a PhD based on a case study at the institution. The School is a specialist institution delivering further and higher education courses at campuses in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool. It holds Ofsted Outstanding ratings (2009, 2022) and Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold awards (2017, 2023).
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Matt Storey
Cleveland Police & Crime Commissioner
Matt has worked in the public sector his entire career in the Office of Dari Taylor, Member of Parliament for Stockton South, as an officer at Middlesbrough Council and as Parliamentary Office Manager to Andy McDonald MP since 2012.
Matt has been a Councillor in Middlesbrough since 2016, representing Central Ward, and was Labour Group Leader between 2019 and 2023 and Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Board until May 2024.
