Brighton and Hove City Council has announced that it has selected a new Chief Executive to be recommended for appointment.
When the full council meets next week, it is expected that Jessica Gibbons will be appointed, with it likely that she will take over the role in March 2024. Gibbons is currently at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, holding the role of Chief Operations Officer where she oversees all operations services. These include:
- Environment
- Infrastructure
- Regeneration
- Customer
- Arts and Property
- Planning and Destination
- Commercial
Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of the council, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to recommend Jess for appointment at such a crucial time for the city.
“We had an exceptionally strong field of candidates, but Jess's energy, values, breadth of experience and knowledge in so many areas set her apart.
“As our new permanent chief executive, Jess will be key in driving forward our four-year Council Plan to deliver high quality services and to continue developing a proud, healthy, fair and inclusive city where everyone can thrive.
“As council leader, I’m very much looking forward to working with Jess and I believe we have chosen the ideal chief executive for our council and city.”
Other roles that Gibbons has held include senior roles at Camden Council, with responsibility for HS2, place shaping and parks and open spaces.
Gibbons herself commented on her appointment, saying:
“I’m thrilled and excited to be offered this extremely important role at one of the most vibrant and innovative cities in the country.
“Having worked at a senior level across the private, voluntary and local government sectors, the role and place are a natural progression and perfect fit for my values and skills.
“The council and local government in general are going through a critical period of change and I will be grasping this opportunity and helping pivot the organisation and place to make the most of our potential.”
Until Gibbons takes over the role, Will Tuckley will remain interim Chief Executive, a position that he has been in since Geoff Raw left in May 2023.
Image credit: iStock
