Jayne Surman, who is also LGcommunications' current chairperson, will move on next month. Surman has been at Dudley for seven years, heading up a team of 24.
In her new role she will answer to director of comms Steve Hodgson, and will head up a team of six as well as overseeing a range of agencies.
Surman said: 'Regional development agencies are in for a whole load of changes. They will be looking for me to shape the role. I didn't get the impression that it is a very clearly defined role - it's up to me how I shape it.'
Surman does not replace anyone as the role has been newly created as the result of a restructuring.
Surman's four-year tenure as chair of LGcommunications also comes to an end on 23 May at the annual general meeting. The body is currently taking suggestions for candidates.
