Senior leaders from the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) have paid tribute to former Chief Executive Mandip Rai.
Mr Rai, who passed away over the weekend, served as CEO from 2016 to 2022. Prior to that, he was the LLEP’s Head of Strategy and Engagement.
Andy Reed OBE, LLEP Co-Chair, said:
I was saddened to hear the news over the weekend and, like all our Directors and Officers, my thoughts and prayers are with Mandip’s family at this difficult time.
Mandip delivered much of the work done in establishing the LLEP before going on to grow its reach and impact as Chief Executive.
He was a hugely valuable part of the LLEP team for many years and was greatly liked and admired by all who knew him.
Anil Majithia, LLEP Co-Chair, said:
Mandip contributed a great deal to so much of the infrastructure and skills agenda we see in our region today.
His career was spent bringing people together to achieve more for our area and his ability to do so successfully was testament to his approach and personality.
Mandip was a kind and conscientious colleague to me and many others and I send my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Sue Tilley, Head of LLEP, said:
Mandip did so much for me and other LLEP colleagues.
He was a great source of support and encouragement and we continue to work to his principles and vision.
The team and I are all thinking of Mandip’s family at this very sad time.
Kevin Harris, the former LLEP Chair, launched the LLEP’s Economic Growth Strategy alongside Mr Rai in December 2021.
Mr Harris, now the Chair of East Midlands Chamber, said:
Mandip dedicated his working life to helping the growth and development of our city and county.
Leicester and Leicestershire has much to thank him for, especially in terms of the part he played in helping secure investment for major developments which will benefit not only this generation but many to come.
It was a delight to work with Mandip in my time as Chair of the LLEP and I am grateful for the support and help he provided to me and many others.
Mr Rai worked in economic policy, development and regeneration for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, and Leicester City Council before being appointed Head of LLEP in 2011.
After playing a key role in the formation of the partnership, he took responsibility for engaging local and national stakeholders, developing enterprise zones, and delivering the LLEP’s Strategic Economic Plan.