York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority leadership team
James Farrar – Chief Executive
James is the Chief Executive of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and was the founding Chief Operating Officer of the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The LEP has now been integrated into the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA). During his time as LEP Chief Operating Officer, James built the team and oversaw an investment portfolio of over £200 million into the region.
Previous to his role in the LEP, James was at Yorkshire Forward, where he led its response to the recession with a focus on business support and access to finance. Committed to collaborative working, James recognises the importance of a strong public private partnership and is committed to ensuring stakeholders across the region work together to deliver for our communities.
James was appointed as Chief Executive in June 2024.
Rachel Antonelli – Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer
Rachel has over 25 years public sector experience, working within a variety of roles including Senior Solicitor and Deputy Monitoring Officer within a local government legal department, Force Solicitor for two police forces and Head of Function for the democratic governance service of a local authority. Prior to joining the Combined Authority, Rachel worked as a Specialist Legal Consultant for the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, working with the Transition Team in readiness for their move into the Combined Authority in May 2024.
The role is statutorily responsible for reporting to the Combined Authority on any illegality or maladministration. Rachel values the importance of strong governance to ensure the Combined Authority will operate in a safe and legal manner upon its creation.
Andy Kerr – Director of Economy
Andy is the Director of Economy for the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. Andy is responsible for strategy, housing, transport, economic growth, and delivery of the devolution deal. He also has a key role in supporting James Farrar in shaping the future direction of devolution for the region.
Prior to joining the Combined Authority in January 2025, Andy was the Head of Economic Development at Durham County Council, and before that he spent 16 years at City of York Council in a variety of roles across housing, regeneration and economy. He is a graduate of the University of York and a resident in the city, and is passionate about the power of devolution to be a positive force for change for all our communities.