The Council of the Isles of Scilly has appointed a new chief executive – former Cornwall Council director Paul Masters.

Mr Masters, who retired from his role as strategic director for neighbourhoods at County Hall in Truro last month, will start in his new post later this month.

Having started his career in local government in Cornwall 39 years ago Mr Masters started out as an environmental health officer before working his way up into senior positions.

He was previously assistant chief executive of North Cornwall District Council and has also held the role of interim chief executive at Cornwall Council.

Mr Masters will take over from current interim chief executive of The Council of the Isles of Scilly, Mark Boden who has been in the role since February last year.

Chairman of the Council, Robert Francis, said: “It was an easy decision to appoint Paul. His vast experience of working at the highest level of local government makes him a perfect fit for Scilly. Paul’s diverse experience includes everything from fire and rescue and airports, to waste management and harbours and maritime.”

“As well as welcoming Paul, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Chief Executive, Mark Boden. During his year on Scilly, Mark has brought stability to the authority’s finances and governance, including leading the Council out of its formal audit warning, the ‘Section 24 notice’. He has provided an excellent platform for Paul to build on.”

Paul Masters, Chief Executive, said: “I had recently intended to retire after 39 years of various roles in Cornish local government, starting at North Cornwall District Council in 1981! However, opportunities such as this do not present themselves very often and there is a need for everyone to pitch in during the current crisis. Local government is needed more than ever in these extraordinary times.”

Mr Masters will start his new position on April 14 for an initial period of six months.