Cecilia Bufton has been announced as the new Chair of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Board.

She takes over from Jim Stewart, who stepped down after the end of his three-year term of office.

Cecilia brings significant private sector experience to the Board having worked for a range of businesses including multinationals and SMEs.

Her 30-year career has included senior roles with responsibility for the strategic direction and financial performance of businesses in the UK and globally.

Cecilia’s main focus has been in strategic business development in the health and care sectors.

She has most recently been involved in developing innovative, digital technology enabled products and services that help change the way healthcare is delivered.

Her previous posts have included Group Product Marketing Director, Tunstall Healthcare; Vice President, Global Marketing, Sales and Business Development – Respiratory, Linde Healthcare, and Marketing Director, BOC Medical.

She is the current Chairman of the Board of the Macular Society and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Plant Heritage.

With her expertise, and an MBA in international strategic marketing from the University of Greenwich, Dorset LEP says that Cecilia is well placed to drive forward its ambition to put Dorset on the map to secure investment from the government and the private sector.

Cecilia, who lives in Somerset, said: “The impact of Dorset LEP’s investments, Covid-19 recovery initiatives, business engagement and careers education activities are being felt across the region.

“I look forward to representing businesses, using my expertise and experience to help drive forward this work.

“I take on the role of Chair as we face some of the biggest challenges in business, in education and in our communities.

“Dorset LEP already has an excellent reputation for collaborative working.

“I accept the mantle with confidence that Dorset LEP and our partners really can make a difference for Dorset’s people, and as a place.

“Having recently been awarded an additional £11.8m for local projects as part of the national Getting Building Fund, I look forward to seeing those progress and supporting Dorset LEP’s work across our key sectors, skills initiatives, investment campaigns and our strategic work with local partners and government.

“I am keen to get started.”

Sara Uzzell, Deputy Chair, pictured left, said: “Cecilia joins Dorset LEP at an important time for our region’s recovery.

“I am confident that her expertise will further enable Dorset LEP to make the most of future opportunities, drive productivity and attract investment into the area.

“On behalf of Dorset LEP and our stakeholders, I wish to thank former Chair of the Board, Jim Stewart, for his vision, leadership and commitment.”