The group leaders of Bath & North East Somerset Council are set to recommend to a meeting of the full council, on 5th September, that Will Godfrey is appointed as the next Chief Executive of the authority.
Will Godfrey will replace Ashley Ayre, who is retiring at the end of September, after 13 years of service to the council.
Will brings extensive experience of working at a senior level with UK and Welsh Governments to the role; he has been Chief Executive of Newport City Council since 2013; was a Strategic Director at Bristol City Council and Chief Executive of East Hampshire District Council prior to that.
He has also worked extensively at a regional level, having played a leading role in negotiating devolutions deals in both South East Wales and the West of England.
Councillor Dine Romero, Council Leader, said: “Will’s experience in strategic financial management, organisational change and regeneration fits well with the challenges we face over the next few years.
“A new chief executive will be involved with our commitment to climate emergency and our aims to deliver for residents, to focus on prevention and give people a bigger say.
“I welcome the recommendation being made to full council.”
Will added: “I am delighted and humbled to be offered the opportunity to take on the role of Chief Executive of Bath & North East Somerset Council.
“I’m looking forward to working with councillors, communities and colleagues to ensure we keep improving the lives for everyone across the council area.”
Mr Godfrey will start at Bath & North East Somerset Council in early October, subject to his appointment being approved by council on 5th September 2019.