The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership is recruiting a new private sector board member following the departure of one of its Suffolk members.

The move follows the decision by David Gledhill, chief executive of Hutchison Ports, to stand down from the New Anglia board.

He is currently on a six-month sabbatical to recover from health problems and will be away from his post until the end of the year.

Mr Gledhill, 56, had several months away from the business late last year because of his health and returned to work in January.

However, the problems had not been resolved and now it is hoped the sabbatical will provide him with the rest he needs for a full recovery.

Andy Wood, chief executive of Adnams and chairman of New Anglia LEP, paid tribute to David Gledhill’s contribution to the board.

He said: “David has played a key role in the LEP’s first year as we have set about establishing a new kind of partnership to help drive forward our local economy. His business experience and insight has proven extremely valuable and he will be missed by all his fellow board members. We all wish him well for the future.”

Mr Wood said he was looking for a persuasive and influential business leader who could bring energy and passion to the board.

The primary role of private sector board members is to represent the views and interests of private sector businesses, ensuring that decisions are take in the best interests of New Anglia’s business community as a whole.

Successful candidates will initially serve for a 12 month term and will need to commit to a minimum of a day per month.

In order to maintain the balance of the board, it is an essential requirement that the board member lives or works in Suffolk. It is also desirable that the board member should have knowledge of infrastructure and or ports and logistics sectors.

Applications can be emailed to info@newanglia.co.uk or sent to Board Recruitment, New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, NRP Innovation Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7GJ. Closing date for applications is Friday August 10.