A new chief executive has been appointed at Tamworth Borough Council.
Councillors gave unanimous approval for the appointment of Stephen Gabriel during a meeting of the local authority’s full council on Monday.
Stephen, who has a strong track record of public service delivery with a specialist background in social housing, will take over from the current chief executive, Andrew Barratt, who is retiring at the end of March next year.
During the same council meeting, Councillor Paul Turner stepped down as Leader of Tamworth Borough Council with immediate effect, citing personal and business reasons.
Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Thomas Jay is now Acting Leader of the Council until a new leader is appointed.
He said: “I’m delighted to welcome Stephen Gabriel as Tamworth Borough Council’s new chief executive.
“Stephen was unanimously agreed as the preferred candidate from our cross-party committee of councillors following a competitive recruitment process where all candidates showed a high level of leadership skill and competency.
“I’m looking forward to working with Stephen, as we continue to work drive forward our ambitions for Tamworth.
“I also want to thank Andrew Barratt, our current chief executive for his dedication and leadership as chief executive over the past five years, those years have been particularly challenging with the Covid pandemic and now cost of living crisis.”
Andrew will retire after a 28-year local government career, and 20 years with Tamworth Borough Council.
Stephen, who is currently Director of Housing Management with Birmingham City Council and Board Member of Trident Housing Association, will join Tamworth Borough Council on 1 April 2024.
He said: I’m delighted to be appointed as the next chief executive of Tamworth Borough Council.
“I believe passionately in local government and its role in creating conditions for people and places to thrive.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Leader of the Council, council members, our leadership team, staff and wider stakeholders to deliver the ambitions and priorities for Tamworth.”
Stephen will also fulfil the statutory role of electoral registration and the role of returning officer for the council.
Andrew added: “It was heartening to see the calibre of candidates who applied for this position, and I wish Stephen continued success as our chief executive.”
