A panel set up to oversee the recruitment of the interim chief executive is recommending that Paul Masters, currently the council’s assistant chief executive, should be appointed to the role.

This recommendation will now be considered by Members at the meeting of the full council on Tuesday, February 12. 

If ratified, Paul Masters will take up the post on the departure of the current chief executive Kevin Lavery.

Announcing the recommendation of the panel, chairman Jeremy Rowe said it had been a difficult decision as there had been a very strong field of candidates. 

“I am pleased we have been able to make a unanimous recommendation and would like to thank all the members of the Panel for their support in helping the Council to make this vital decision.

 

“I am particularly happy that we have been able to appoint from within the organisation.  We had three high quality candidates which shows the breadth of talent and ability we have in the Council”.

The appointment will be for a minimum period of six months, pending the outcome of the unitary council elections in May and a decision by the new Council regarding the nature of and process for a substantive appointment. 

The salary level for the post is between £158,000 and £175,000.