A former general manager of the Mersey Tunnels and director general of Merseytravel, Frank Rogers was instrumental in the setting up the Combined Authority

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is to begin the search for a new chief executive as Frank Rogers says he will retire next year.

Born in Liverpool and with a career spanning almost 40 years in both the private and public sectors, Mr Rogers returned to Liverpool as general manager of the Mersey Tunnels, rising to be director general of Merseytravel and then the first chief executive of the CA. He plans to step down in September 2021.

Over the last 15 years, he has made a major contribution to both transport – overseeing major projects such as the £500m procurement of new trains for the Merseyrail network – and the setting up of the CA.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Frank has played an absolutely pivotal role in the progress we have made in the city region over recent years. He has made a huge contribution to improving the lives of the 1.6m people we serve, with an unshakeable determination and integrity.

“In many ways, his career and contribution reflect everything that we are striving to achieve, where a working-class kid from Kensington can rise to be chief executive of our combined authority and give so much back to create opportunity for others.

“I want to put on public record my personal thanks for his outstanding service and wish him all the very best for a long and happy retirement – although I’m sure that it won’t be long until someone tries to tempt him back.”

Mr Rogers added: “I have been exceptionally privileged to have had the opportunity to serve the city region I love over the last 15 years and to have played a part in the huge progress we have made.

“The last few months have brought us all unprecedented challenges, but we have pulled together as a city region to meet them head on and map our route to economic recovery.

“Setting a clear timetable for my retirement next year means that we can put in place a smooth transition for appointing my successor to take the combined authority on the next phase of our journey as we work to build back better.”