Our Profiles

After completing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Manchester University in 1965, Graham Mackenzie served for two years as a VSO volunteer, working as a Lecturer...

Stephen brings a wealth of experience to his leadership of WDC. His career has spanned the public and private sectors together with specific experience of...

A chartered architect, Will has more than 13 years’ experience of development, regeneration and architectural consultancy in both public and private sectors.

Gavin Southall joined the firm in 1973 and qualified as a Solicitor in 1974. He became a Partner in 1977 and was appointed to the post of Senior Partner in 2006.

Professor Gipps joined the University in 2005. For the previous six years she was Deputy Vice Chancellor at Kingston University in Surrey, and prior to that was Professor of Education and Dean of Research at the Institute for Education in London.

A chartered surveyor by profession, Karen joined Advantage West Midlands in 2001 as Corporate Director Operations. Previously Karen worked within the NHS on Private Finance Initiatives and commercial development schemes in the UK and overseas.

Paul Spooner commenced work with the Homes and Communities Agency in December 2008 and is Regional Director for the West Midlands, investing nearly £200m each year in major housing and regeneration schemes and the provision of new affordable homes across the region.

Mark joined Advantage West Midlands in June 2007 and is Partnership Director for the Black Country, Birmingham, Solihull and Telford. Previously, Mark was Deputy Director at Government Office for the West Midlands where he worked for 12 years in the delivery of European Structural Funds and DTI Investment Grant Schemes.

Neville Patten has served on the council since 1987. During this time Neville has worked on a number of committees including the licensing committee, planning committee, and road safety subcommittee. Prior to his current post as leader of the council, Neville was shadow portfolio holder for Regeneration and Enterprise.

Born in Bilston, Paddy entered local politics in the late 1960’s and was elected to Wolverhampton Council for Penn ward in 1973. Paddy has held the seat ever since.