Dr Ruth Adams is the Chief Executive of the Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority (HSCCA), leading the organisation’s work to drive economic growth, strengthen local communities and improve opportunities for residents and businesses across the region.

Ruth brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across local government, regional economic development and public service reform. Before joining HSCCA in 2026, she served as Chief Executive Officer of South East Employers, supporting local authorities and public sector organisations across the region with workforce, leadership and organisational development.

Prior to this, Ruth was Deputy Chief Executive of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, where she played a key role in delivering devolution, economic growth and organisational transformation. Her responsibilities included overseeing the strategic economic plan, major investment programmes, corporate performance, governance, digital services, human resources and organisational development.

Earlier in her career, Ruth held senior leadership positions at Yorkshire Forward, including Director of Business Transition and Assistant Director for Skills, leading programmes focused on workforce development, skills investment and regional economic competitiveness. She also worked in training and skills development roles at the Learning and Skills Council and the private sector.

Ruth holds an MBA in Strategic Management and Economics and a PhD from the University of Sheffield, where her doctoral research focused on the knowledge economy and training policy. She is also a qualified Executive Leadership Coach.

As Chief Executive of HSCCA, Ruth is committed to building strong partnerships across local government, business, education and the voluntary sector to unlock investment, enhance connectivity, support skills development and deliver sustainable growth across Hampshire and the Solent.