A senior figure at BAE Systems has replaced the head of supermarket chain Booths as chair of Lancashire Enterprise Partnership.

Steve Fogg, managing director of Corporate Shared Services and a member of the UK Management Board of defence giant BAE Systems, has taken on the new role with immediate effect.

He replaces Edwin Booth, chairman of Booths – which has stores throughout Cumbria and the wider North West region – who stepped down at the end of 2018 following a seven-year tenure.

Mr Booth had been Lancashire LEP’s first chair. During his period in charge it secured a £1 billion growth plan and brought forward over 50 major growth initiatives.

Meanwhile, Mr Fogg – who has risen to his role at BAE Systems after starting off as an apprentice – also serves in a number of executive and non-executive roles for organisations including the Worldskills Advisory Group on Social Mobility and the National Apprentice Ambassador network.

David Taylor, who served as acting chair of the LEP while the recruitment took place, said he was looking forward to supporting Mr Fogg as deputy chair of the organisation, which brings together business, universities and local councils to drive economic growth and job creation.

“I am confident that the LEP will go from strength to strength under his stewardship,” he added.