Leeds City Council has confirmed the appointment of its new interim Chief Executive, following an unanimous vote.
Mariana Pexton will take on the role later this month, as current Chief Executive Tom Riordan departs to take on a significant role within the Department of Health and Social Care.
Becoming the first woman to take on the role of heading up the second-largest local authority in the country, Mariana brings with her a strong track record of supporting the council’s ambitions for itself and its communities. Currently, the council’s Director of Strategy and Resources, Mariana is leading a large directorate covering a number of key areas.
Commenting on her appointment, Mariana said:
“It’s a great privilege to have this opportunity and I’m completely committed to the council and to Leeds. Here we do things together, working with residents and partners to achieve the best for the city and its people.
“I will be focused on consolidating all the ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the council, while working towards delivering a balanced budget. I am also determined that alongside this work we continue to operate as a team, both within the council and more broadly, to make the most of opportunities to help improve lives across the city.”
Mariana joined the council in 2000 and has since held senior roles across strategy, customer services, and children’s services, having come from a career within the Civil Service.
Leeds City Council’s Leader, Cllr James Lewis, added:
“Mariana will be an excellent interim chief executive and I’m very pleased that full council has agreed her appointment. We have strong representation from women across our senior political and officer leadership and this is an important milestone for us to now also have our first female head of paid service.
“She has been leading many of our key frontline services over the past couple of years and has been driving the council expertly and efficiently through the considerable financial challenges we have been experiencing and continue to face, in common with other councils.
“Mariana is also held in high regard across the city for her work with partner organisations and the sports sector and is a passionate champion of our city and council ambitions and values.”
During her career at the council, she has worked closely over the years with Tom, who is leaving for a new job leading national health and social care reforms as a permanent secretary with the Department of Health and Social Care.
Mariana will formally take on the role on the 23rd September, and will hold it until the recruitment process for a permanent appointment is completed.
Image credit: Leeds City Council
