Dan Thorpe

CEO, Cambridge Ahead

Dan was appointed as the Chief Executive at Cambridge Ahead in July 2023 having previously been Director of Policy and Programmes for four years. On behalf of Cambridge Ahead’s business and academic membership, Dan leads a programme of research and analysis driven by a focus on sustainable and inclusive growth into the long-term. This involves working closely with national and local policymakers so that Cambridge Ahead actively helps shape the future of the Cambridge city region.

Previously Dan worked at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority as part of establishing the new Authority and focusing on place-making. This included developing the first Local Industrial Strategy for the region and instigating the Market Town Masterplans programme. Prior to the Combined Authority Dan worked in a variety of economic development and policy roles at Cambridgeshire County Council and Improvement East.

Dan is also a voluntary Board Member at Cambridge-based social enterprise The Edge.