Dr Henry Kippin is Chief Executive of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, a role he has held since May 2024. Prior to this, he served as Chief Executive of the North of Tyne Combined Authority, leading efforts around inclusive economic growth, skills, housing, transport, public service innovation, climate action and devolution for the region. He is currently also chair of Experience North East England, the North East Screen Industries Partnership and the Great North partnership CEOs board.

Before his time in the North East, Henry was an Executive Director at the West Midlands Combined Authority. Previously, he served as Chief Executive of social enterprise Collaborate CIC and spent several years working in both UK and international public policy and development.

Henry is co-author of 'Public Services: a new reform agenda' published in 2013 by Bloomsbury, and between 2013–2018 was a fellow at the UNDP Global Centre for Public Service Excellence. He has a PhD from the University of Sheffield, and in recognition of his contribution to regional development and public service, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree by Northumbria University in 2024.