New chief executive for Lancashire County Council

Mark, who has been carrying out the role in an interim capacity since August, was chosen after a rigorous and competitive recruitment process.

His appointment has been endorsed by the council's Employment Committee and will now be recommended to the full council next week.

Mark brings to the position a wealth of knowledge of the local government sector.

He originally joined the council in April 2023 as executive director of Resources, responsible for driving transformational change across the council and supporting the organisation to deliver the ambitions set out in our corporate priorities, which ultimately support Lancashire residents to receive services they need and deserve.

Prior to joining the council he was chief operating officer at Cheshire West and Chester Council, overseeing the Corporate Services directorate, and has also worked for Cheshire County Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and Shropshire Council.

Mark said: “I feel incredibly privileged and excited to be recommended for this role and I am very much looking forward to permanently leading the team at Lancashire County Council as we work to better the lives of all our residents.

"Since coming to Lancashire I have been very impressed by the commitment of both the council's members and our talented employees as we work to make a difference and I know that together we can achieve so much.

“I have always been passionate about local government and improving outcomes for both residents and businesses, and it is important to me that we deliver high quality services while also looking to innovate and improve what we do.

"It is no secret that this is a demanding time for local government as a whole with many challenges ahead, but I am pleased to say that the council is in an extremely good position to deliver its ambitious vision for the future detailed in our newly launched Council Plan."

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "I welcome the recommendation to appoint Mark to this very important role.

"Mark is a proven leader who has made a big impact since joining the council, helping to drive change and transform the way we deliver services to the people of Lancashire."

The council will consider the appointment at its' full council on February 26.