Ed Cox

Ed is the Chief Executive Officer (Interim) of West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

His broad remit includes the smooth running of the organisation, managing the partnership and relationships with Local Authorities across the West Midlands and acting as the ‘regional convenor’, as well as leading negotiations with Government on English devolution, coordinating the agreement and preparation for the Integrated Settlement and driving the West Midlands Futures work to establish a long-term, sustainable vision for the region.

Prior to joining the WMCA, Ed was Director of Public Services and Communities at the RSA, where he led an ambitious programme of work on people, power, place and inclusive growth. He previously led IPPR North for 9 years, where he was a champion for devolution and much of the thinking behind the ‘Northern Powerhouse,’ working closely with several combined authorities in the north of England.

Ed Cox standing beside a sign for the West Midlands Combined Authority

Before that, Ed was an adviser to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, where he played a key role in developing the Sub-National Review (2007) and the Empowerment White Paper (2008).

Ed has a background in community engagement. He wrote Manchester’s first community engagement strategy and was a founder of the national Participatory Budgeting Unit. He is founder and chair of the Levenshulme Inspire community hub in inner-city Manchester.

Ed is also a qualified minister of religion in the United Reformed Church and is part of the leadership team for his local congregation in Levenshulme.

Ed was previously Chair of Involve until June 2025.