Press Release
Experienced combined authority chief executive to lead the next phase of growth as Thames Freeport publishes its long-term Growth Plan
Thames Freeport today announces the appointment of Ben Still as its permanent Chief Executive Officer. Ben joins from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, where he has served as Chief Executive since 2016, leading one of the country’s largest devolved authorities through a period of sustained economic growth, major infrastructure delivery and inclusive skills investment. He will take up post in the Autumn.
The appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process led by the Thames Freeport Board and comes at a pivotal moment for the organisation. Ben’s arrival coincides with the public launch of Thames Freeport’s Growth Plan, which sets out ambitions to unlock £4.9bn of private investment, generate £27.5bn of Gross Value Added, and create around 28,000 jobs, including 12,000 for local people across Barking and Dagenham, Thurrock and wider Essex by 2046.
Rt Hon Ruth Kelly, Chair of Thames Freeport, said:
“Ben brings exactly the blend of experience Thames Freeport needs as we move from planning into large-scale delivery. He has a strong track record of turning ambitious growth strategies into real outcomes for people and places, and of working across government, business and combined authorities to get things done. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Stuart for his outstanding leadership as Interim Chief Executive, he leaves the organisation in a stronger position, with a clear Growth Plan and real momentum behind it, and I look forward to working with Ben as we take Thames Freeport into its next phase.”
Ben Still, incoming Chief Executive of Thames Freeport, said:
“I’m delighted to be joining Thames Freeport at such an exciting point in its journey. The scale of the opportunity here for investment, for good jobs and for local people across Essex and East London is genuinely one of the most significant in the country, and the Growth Plan sets out a compelling and credible path to realising it. I’m looking forward to working with the Board, the team and our partners at Ford, Forth Ports, Port of Tilbury and DP World London Gateway to build on the strong foundations already in place and make sure the benefits of growth are felt right across our communities.”
Stuart Rimmer MBE, Interim Chief Executive of Thames Freeport, said:
“It has been a privilege to lead Thames Freeport through this transition and to help shape the Growth Plan. Ben is a great appointment at the perfect time, and I have every confidence he will build on the platform the team has put in place. I’m looking forward to continuing to support that ambition as Deputy Chief Executive, working alongside Ben and our partners to turn this Growth Plan into delivery on the ground.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“Ben has led the Combined Authority expertly over the last decade, overseeing its transformation from its infancy, to one of the leading established Mayoral Strategic Authorities in the country. Under Ben’s leadership, the Combined Authority has worked with partners to deliver thousands of new homes, new railway stations, and put us on track to deliver our new franchised Weaver Network buses.
I am grateful for Ben’s support and guidance in my five years as Mayor, helping me navigate tricky issues and negotiations with intellect and good sense. His dedication and commitment as a public servant are second to none, and I wish him well in his future endeavours.”
The Growth Plan, published on 10th September, is available in full at thamesfreeport.com/growth-plan.
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About Thames Freeport
Thames Freeport is one of the UK’s leading Freeports, bringing together three tax sites — Ford Dagenham, Port of Tilbury and DP World London Gateway — as a single economic corridor spanning 38km along the Thames Estuary. Thurrock Council is the Accountable Body, with core funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). More information: thamesfreeport.com.
About Ben Still
Ben joins the Freeport from West Yorkshire’s Mayoral Strategic Authority which he has led since 2016. Ben has worked at the forefront of devolution policy, economic development, transport, and infrastructure delivery over two decades. He has led Local Enterprise Partnerships in South and West Yorkshire, and delivered programmes covering skills, business growth, employment support, alongside physical regeneration programmes, supporting housing, commercial schemes and inward investment.
He was instrumental in the agreement of the £1.8bn 2020 West Yorkshire Devolution Deal that led to the Mayoral elections in 2021, successive Growth Deals and an Integrated Settlement in 2026. He has worked with the Mayor and Local Authority Leaders to secure mass transit and bus franchising in West Yorkshire. He has chaired the UK Mayor’s Chief Executive Network, and has recently worked with the new ‘No10 North’ on the Government’s new approach to devolution across England.
Ben has a background in policy making and programme delivery from the public and the private sectors, including a decade in Whitehall, private sector advisory and local Government.
About Stuart Rimmer MBE
Stuart Rimmer MBE has served as Interim Chief Executive of Thames Freeport, leading the organisation through the development and Board approval of its Growth Plan and a period of significant organisational change. He returns to the role of Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Operating Officer following Ben Still’s arrival, with continued responsibility for skills and innovation strategy, partnerships and venture-making.
The Growth Plan
Thames Freeport’s Growth Plan sets out a strategy to unlock £4.9bn of private investment, £27.5bn of Gross Value Added and around 28,000 jobs by 2046, with 12,000 of those roles targeted at local communities in Barking and Dagenham, Thurrock and wider Essex. The full document, including supporting appendices, is available at thamesfreeport.com/growth-plan.
Key dates
Growth Plan public launch and Impact Report: 10 September 2026.
Ben Still start date: Autumn 2026.
Media contact
Beatriz Romão, Marketing, Communications & Events Lead, Thames Freeport
Beatriz.Romao@thamesfreeport.com
