By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
The new Chief Executive for Nottinghamshire County Council has been announced as Adrian Smith.
Mr Smith, who is currently the authority’s Deputy Chief Executive, has been described as “well respected” by the current leader of the council Ben Bradley MP.
He will replace outgoing Chief Executive Anthony May, who is taking up the Chief Executive Role at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust.
After what the council described as a “rigorous recruitment exercise”, Mr Smith was selected by the council’s Senior Staffing Committee.
His appointment is subject to approval of the council at the Full Council meeting on September 22.
Mr Smith, 42, joined Nottinghamshire County Council in 2016 as Corporate Director for Place, having previously worked at the London Borough of Lambeth.
Mr Smith said: “I feel very privileged to be chosen for the Chief Executive role at such an important point in the future of local government.“I am proud to call Nottinghamshire my home and I am very much looking forward to supporting our workforce, Members and partners to deliver on the priorities we have set in our Nottinghamshire Plan. My personal commitment is to improve the lives of residents, the economy and the health of people in Nottinghamshire.”Councillor Ben Bradley MP, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council (Con), said: “Adrian impressed members of the interview panel with his incisive grasp of the strategic issues we’re facing.
“I look forward to working alongside Adrian to continue to deliver against the priorities we have set out to improve the lives of residents in Nottinghamshire, attracting major investment, working towards devolution for the East Midlands and transforming our care services. Nottinghamshire is leading the way when it comes to economic development, working with Government on major national priorities. We want to be a beacon for the region on change and innovation and getting our services right for local people.
“Adrian is well-respected within the council, regionally and nationally, and I’m confident his appointment will help us to achieve these priorities.”
Kate Foale, Leader of the Labour Group, added her “many congratulations” to Mr Smith.
She added: “I have worked with Adrian now for several years in his current post of Corporate Director for Place. He has done a great job in that role and I am sure he will serve us very well as Chief Executive.
