New senior recruit to drive inward investment at a critical time for our economy

At a crucial time for the economy, NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), a public and private sector partnership, that works to position Newcastle and Gateshead as an international destination of choice, has strengthened its team with a senior appointment.

Dan Peck has been appointed as the new Head of Inward Investment. Dan will help drive Newcastle and Gateshead’s commitment to attracting and securing new investment and creating jobs. He will act as deputy to the Director of Invest Newcastle, leading a team who are charged with delivering a range of highly targeted activities and bespoke services to secure overseas and domestic inward investment across key growth sectors.

Dan is a graduate of Yale University, with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). He is an experienced social impact consultant and organisational leader with 12 years of multi-sectoral experience across investment banking, management consulting, and social impact and government consulting.

Having recently moved to Newcastle from San Francisco, Dan brings a wealth of experience from both the private and public sector and the UK and international markets. He has spent the last six years helping to lead a government and social impact consultancy that uses public funding, data, and government policy as levers to improve social outcomes for America’s most vulnerable communities. In addition, to his social impact consultancy work, Dan has also worked as a management consultant, proving strategic advice to clients across the UK and Europe, and for a global investment bank specialising in providing mergers, acquisition, and corporate finance advisory services to multi-national corporate clients.

On his appointment, Dan said: “Having lived and worked in San Francisco, London, New York, and Nashville, I am so impressed with everything the North East has to offer to both businesses and the people who live here. I have visited many cities across the world, but Newcastle is genuinely unique, with so much history, community spirit, culture and innovation – I can see why the people who live here are so proud of the place they call home. There are so many reasons to invest in this great city, and I am looking forward to meeting the city’s leaders, ambassadors and world-class talent and further positioning its offer to investors and people across the world.

“I am delighted to be joining and helping to lead such as strong and ambitious team and to be able to play my part in the recovery and growth of the economy. This is a very challenging time, but also an opportune time to make a lasting social and economic impact.”

Sarah Green, Chief Executive of NGI said: “As we start the new year, we must focus on how we can rebuild and grow our economy and this senior appointment will play an instrumental role in its recovery. Dan’s vast experience of working across international markets and the private and public sectors, coupled with his passion for NewcastleGateshead and leadership skills, make him a great addition to our Senior Management Team.

“The beginning of 2021 has brought further challenges with the introduction of a new nationwide lockdown but also hope with a mass vaccination programme. We must come out of this stronger. Our region has an incredibly strong offer for potential investors and businesses, and it is critical that together with our stakeholders, we work towards sustainable growth. This appointment is just one part of our commitment to investing in people and projects that will create jobs, attract more visitors, investment and talent.”

Jennifer Hartley, Director of Invest Newcastle added: “Inward Investment is a key driver of economic recovery, and now more than ever, we need to create more jobs and opportunities. This new role will support the growth of key sectors and further profile our city as a place to locate, grow and build a successful business.

“Dan’s track record, international experience, and global network are exceptional, and he brings with him a skill set and knowledge base that will support us with our ambitious plans to attract more investment and talent to Newcastle and Gateshead. We are thrilled to have him on board.”

Part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Invest Newcastle’s mission is to help businesses thrive in Newcastle and Gateshead. Since it was established in 2013, it has supported more than 200 new businesses to relocate or expand, helping to create and safeguard more than 9,500 jobs

Supported by Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council and by working with more than 170 private sector partners across the North East of England, the focus of NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s activity is economic growth; working to change perceptions and position the region as an international destination of choice for business, investors, visitors, events, students, and talent.