Cheshire East Council has officially appointed Rob Polkinghorne as its new permanent chief executive, who is set to start at the beginning of January.

The decision was taken at the meeting of full council on Wednesday 13 December.

This follows a rigorous recruitment and selection process involving the appointments committee and a number of stakeholder panels. 

Rob Polkinghorne will work from Cheshire East Council's Sandbach HQ, set to close in 2024, with staff relocating to Crew's Delamere House (Nub News).

Mr Polkinghorne began his career in local government in 1996.

He held various roles focusing on regeneration and environmental projects, subsequently transitioning to strategic planning, policy formulation, performance management and organisational transformation.

Mr Polkinghorne has worked in unitary, county, borough and district councils, covering both urban and rural areas.

Beyond local government, he assumed leadership roles in the fire and rescue service and the NHS before securing the post of chief operating officer at Aberdeen City Council and then becoming chief executive at Southend City Council. 

Mr Polkinghorne said: "I am excited to be joining Cheshire East Council. This is a time of enormous challenge for councils across the country, and Cheshire East is no exception.

"But, it is also a time of opportunity – opportunity to do things differently and refocus. 

Mr Polkinghorne began his career in local government in 1996 and was chief executive at Southend City Council (Cheshire East Council).

"I look forward to working with councillors, staff and partners to meet those challenges and take those opportunities, to build on what we already have and ensure we can continue to deliver for Cheshire East's residents, businesses and communities."

Labour leader of the council, Cllr Sam Corcoran, said: "I would like to welcome Rob Polkinghorne to Cheshire East. 

"Appointment of a new chief executive is an important moment for any organisation, bringing refreshing new perspectives, ideas and ways of doing things.

"I also appreciate the importance of stability – particularly through times of change.

"However, no organisation should stand still, and we will be looking to Rob to bring new ideas and drive the changes we will need, now and in the future.

"Cheshire East, like many councils across the country, is experiencing an unprecedented financial challenge.

Labour leader of the council, Cllr Sam Corcoran (Cheshire East Council).

"To guide us through this, we already have many strengths, several of the senior officers at Cheshire East Council are now the longest serving officers in their posts and I am the longest serving leader of the council since its formation in 2009. 

"Building on these foundations, I very much look forward to working with Rob." 

Rob Polkinghorne will start work as chief executive on Wednesday 3 January, 2024.