Gloucestershire County Council announces new chief executive
Jo Walker, currently CEO of North Somerset Council, has been appointed as the new chief executive of Gloucestershire County Council.
Walker has led North Somerset Council for the past six years.
She started her career at Gloucestershire County Council as a graduate trainee and worked her way up to become director of Highways, Transport and Waste and then director of Finance and Corporate Services, before leaving to become CEO at North Somerset Council.
Subject to full council approval on Wednesday (19 February), Walker is expected to take up her new role by May 19.
Walker said: “It is a great privilege to have been offered this amazing job, it is an exceptional role in an incredible county.
“As my home for the past 36 years, Gloucestershire already holds a very special place in my heart and having already spent more than 30 years of my working life at Gloucestershire County Council, so does the council. I have a deep commitment to the county and its people. I can’t wait to get started and do all I can to support the council, working alongside all elected members and staff to continue delivering for our communities and build on the strengths we have to achieve the shared ambition we have for Gloucestershire – reducing health inequalities, boost skills, attracting investment and jobs, whilst delivering great services for our residents.
“I am clear that we will not improve outcomes for residents alone – I am committed to building strong working relationships with our partners, across the public and private sector, to make sure we always do our collective best for Gloucestershire.”
Cllr Stephen Davies, leader of the Council, said: “Jo is an experienced chief executive with a strong track record of operating at a local, regional, and national level. When you add in her extensive knowledge and understanding of the county, whilst competition for the role was strong, Jo was the standout candidate and was the committee’s unanimous choice.
“I look forward to working with Jo as we embark on the next, exciting chapter for the county.”
Walker takes over the role of chief executive from Pete Bungard who after 20 years in the role will retire in May.
