Four chief positions filled

A new unitary council is among a clutch of authorities to announce new chief executives this week.

Northumberland Council has appointed Northamptonshire CC's assistant chief executive Steve Stewart to its top job as it prepares for the transition from the existing county council and six district councils into a unitary by 1 April next year.

Meanwhile, Isle of Wight Council has promoted its director of children's services Steve Beynon; Oldham MBC has appointed Charlie Parker, currently director of investment and performance for English Partnerships; and Solihull MBC has named its acting chief Mark Rogers as new chief executives.

Details of the top officers' salaries have been disclosed, with Northumberland paying £170,000-180,000, Oldham £172,000, Isle of Wight £165,000 and Solihull £127,000.

The wages are significantly lower than the £200,000 pay packet of George Garlick who, it was announced last week, has been appointed to the top job at another new unitary, County Durham Council (LGC, 10 July). Sheffield City Council's new chief, John Mothersole, will pocket £181,000.

Mr Stewart, who will take up the post in September, said: "Northumberland has a great history and, by working together with councillors, employees and partners, we will create a new piece of that history — a council that provides the best possible services and is a strong voice for our people."

Mr Beynon fills the vacancy that arose when Joe Duckworth moved to become Newham LBC's chief.

He joined Isle of Wight in 2006 from Thurrock Council, where he had also served as director of children's services.

Leader David Pugh (Con) said: "Steve provided a thorough analysis of how the island's economic strategy could be delivered to increase the prosperity of local residents."

Mr Parker is expected to arrive at Oldham in October and will succeed Andrew Kilburn who is moving to become chief executive of Waltham Forest LBC.

Mr Parker said he was excited to be involved with "an authority that has so much potential". But he continued: "I am under no illusion that the council still has further to go in delivering its improvement programme."