West Berkshire Council appoints new chief executive

WEST Berkshire Council has appointed a new chief executive.

Nigel Lynn, who’s been chief executive of Arun District Council for the last decade, will succeed Nick Carter – who will retire next month after 23 years at the council, including 16 years as chief executive.

Mr Lynn has worked at eight local authorities and has spent the last 18 years in senior leadership roles.

As well as ten years as a chief executive and eight years as a deputy chief executive, Mr Lynn is also part of the Local Government Association assessment team to review other councils and sits on the executive board of the district council network.

Mr Lynn will start in the autumn, with Susan Halliwell – currently the council’s executive director of place – appointed interim chief executive and she will take up the role upon Mr Carter’s retirement in mid-August.

Mr Lynn said: “West Berkshire is a fantastic area with a bright future, and I'm excited about being a part of it.

“It is people which make a place what it is, and I'm looking forward to getting to know local communities as well as councillors and, of course, the staff delivering the services for local people.

“I know the council is ambitious about its future, and I'm looking forward to helping West Berkshire evolve whilst remaining a great place to live, work and learn."

Council leader Lynne Doherty (Con, Speen) said: “Nigel was an extremely strong candidate and a unanimous choice for the role.

“He brings a wealth of experience, and a clear ambition to ensure our customers are at the heart of everything we do.

“We look forward to welcoming him properly later in the year.

"The role of chief executive is crucial in developing both the council itself but also the evolution of the district in the coming years.

“As well as working with councillors and officers the role will require working with our communities and other organisations.

“The selection process involved not only a cross-party interview panel but also interviews with partner organisations and external stakeholders to help us find the right candidate for West Berkshire as a whole.

“I'm grateful to everyone who gave their time to support the recruitment process.

"Nigel joins us at an important time as we look ahead at our future plans and those areas which are most important to residents.

“Recovering from the pandemic, delivering on our environmental commitments and improving the health and wellbeing of our communities are just some of the priorities for us in the coming years.

"We are already in a good position, and Nick has been a big influence in that during his time leading the council.

“He leaves behind him a council which is performing well and with clear ambitions and plans for the future of both the organisation and the district.

“We have solid foundations on which to build and I remain grateful for all he has done for us."