A HIGH profile Bradford figure has been appointed new chair of Bradford's Economic Partnership.

Dr Manoj Joshi has also held high profile local roles in the civic affairs, business, faith and charity sectors.

These followed a 27-year career in pharmaceuticals and health care, including as a Business Development Manager for AstraZeneca.

In his role on the Bradford District’s Economic Partnership has appointed, Dr Manoj Joshi will be championing the economic potential of the district, leading on clean growth, and working with partners to develop a new economic plan.

He brings extensive experience across a broad range of leadership roles and has been the Board Director of Bradford Breakthrough which is currently bidding to support the start up of a medical school in the city.

As a young boy, Manoj fled Idi Amin’s oppressive Ugandan regime to find sanctuary in Bradford, where he found the support, community spirit and education which acted as springboard for an extensive career.

Dr Manoj Joshi will take over from the interim chair of the Bradford District Economic Partnership, Professor Zahir Irani this week.

Bradford District’s Economic Partnership has appointed Dr Manoj Joshi as its new permanent chair and is expected to be a powerful catalyst to deliver the district’s ambitions.

Dr Manoj Joshi will be championing the economic potential of the district, leading on clean growth, and working with partners to develop a new economic plan.

He brings extensive experience across a broad range of leadership roles and has been the Board Director of Bradford Breakthrough which is currently bidding to support the start up a medical school in the city.

The new chair has been active across a range of sectors including in education as Founder Governor at Bradford Academy and Chair of Governors and Court Member at Bradford University and in health as Founding Chair for the Health Equality Action Team and Advisory Panel at the Care Quality Commission.

Dr Joshi has also held high profile local roles in the civic affairs, business, faith and charity sectors.

These followed a 27-year career in pharmaceuticals and health care, including as a Business Development Manager for AstraZeneca.

The new chair has been deeply involved in various services and communities including the Rotary Club, Police Museum, Bradford Courts Chaplaincy Service and local Gujarati Hindu Community.

As a young boy, Manoj fled Idi Amin’s oppressive Ugandan regime to find sanctuary in Bradford.

Bradford was where he found the support, community spirit and education which acted as springboard for an extensive career in pharmacy and pharmaceuticals.

Dr Manoj Joshi will take over from the interim chair of the Bradford District Economic Partnership, Professor Zahir Irani this week.

Leader of Bradford Council, Susan Hinchcliffe, said “We are very pleased to have secured Dr Joshi to this important strategic role.

“This is a critical time for our district and there are many exciting opportunities which I am sure the new chair and partnership team will optimise. The Bradford district is the number one Levelling Up opportunity in the country and the partnership is crucial in driving us towards the things we want to achieve as part of that.

“Recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic presents some significant challenges but our Economic Partnership is in excellent shape thanks to the leadership, hard work and dedication shown by Professor Zahir Irani.

“I look forward to working with Dr Joshi to make our district productive, dynamic and prosperous.”

Dr Joshi, Chair of the Bradford District Economic Partnership, said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to give back to the city which has given me so much.

“Bradford district is an incredible place with fantastic industrious and creative people so it is an honour to be given a chance to make a significant difference.”

Professor Zahir Irani, Chair of the Bradford District Economic Recovery Board, said: “Dr Joshi’s appointment is fantastic news for Bradford and the wider district.

“In the last year we have worked hard to develop an economic recovery plan which sets the groundwork for the District’s future recovery.

“By supporting changes to the economy and encouraging new ways of working, we have an opportunity to position Bradford better and deliver better outcomes and wellbeing for all.

“Manoj’s extensive experience, glowing track record and passion for our city will be a powerful catalyst to realise the bold ambitions I know the district deserves.”