WARRINGTON Borough Council’s Deputy Chief Executive Katherine Fairclough has been appointed as the new Chief Executive at Cumbria County Council.
Katherine, who joined Warrington in 2009 as assistant chief executive, will take over from Cumbria’s existing CEO Diane Wood in March 2017 (final date to be agreed).
Katherine is currently Deputy Chief Executive at Warrington Borough Council where she is responsible for a wide range of services including resources, strategic commissioning, finance, ICT, HR, legal, democratic services, partnerships, performance, organisational change, commissioning of third sector, leisure, libraries and cultural services and joint working with health & community safety.
Commenting on her appointment Katherine said: “I’m delighted to join Cumbria County Council as the new Chief Executive and am looking forward to building on the legacy of a One Team approach.
“All local authorities face huge challenges but I am sure that, with the support of elected members, staff and partners from across the county, we can deliver the Council’s ambitions for the people of Cumbria.
“I’ve already had a warm welcome and I look forward to getting out and about to meet the people and organisations that make Cumbria such a special place and listening to what people have to say. The best way to face all the challenges ahead of us is to work together.”
When she was appointed at Warrington in 2009 it was the first time the council had an assistant chief executive for five years.
With Warrington facing further austerity town hall insiders believe it is unlikely that a successor will be appointed.
