A FORMER Rover car executive is in the driving seat to put a professional body on the fast track to increasing its membership and national profile.

Robert Jolley has just stepped into his new role as an executive director of the Institution of Economic Development, a national professional body - and he takes with him an impressive track record.

Mr Jolley brought his private sector expertise gained within the Rover Group to Basingstoke in 1995 when he was made the borough council's business development officer.

In that role, he was influential in attracting inward investment into the borough, including Thomson-Thorn, now renamed Thales, which is based in Mountbatten House, Basing View.

Before leaving for his new role, Mr Jolley was Basingstoke's learning and skills manager, responsible for delivering one of the council's four priorities, leading an innovative venture capital initiative.

Mr Jolley, who has a degree in economics and economic history from University College London and an MBA from Warwick Business School, said: "After almost 10 years in Basingstoke, it was time to spread my wings and take on a national challenge.

"I have been a member of the IED since the early 1990s and a member of its National Council for the last three-and-a-half years. The opportunity to help the organisation achieve its ambitions is, frankly, irresistible."

The IED was set up 22 years ago and its 870-strong membership is drawn from the private and public sector of economic development practitioners.

Mr Jolley said: "I am looking to bring more added value for members and to attract new members and improve the branch network."

His goal is to make the organisation into a national voice that can make its views known right through to central Government.

He believes the institution has an important role to play and should be at the forefront of contributing to national debate.

Mr Jolley (pictured) said his new job will allow him to keep his home base in Basingstoke, adding: "Basingstoke is a fantastic place with fantastic people."

IED chairman Geoff Herbert said: "Robert comes on board at an exciting time. We have plans to grow the membership significantly, and need him to build the foundations for this.

"He will also make sure the voice of members is heard in Government and the regions, and that our branch network has the capacity and resources to develop its potential."