The appointment of interim Chief Executive for Sutton Council

The decision by the Committee was unanimous. It will be recommended to Full Council on Monday 12 November that the role of interim Head of Paid Service (Chief Executive) be shared as follows:

• Mary Morrissey, Strategic Director of Environment, Housing and Regeneration – from 17 December 2018 to 17 March 2019
• Gerald Almeroth, Strategic Director of Resources and Chief Financial Officer – from 18 March 2019 to when the permanent candidate is hired. 

Council will be recommended to appoint Gerald Almeroth as the Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer from 24 November 2018 until the appointment of the permanent Chief Executive by the Council.

Leader of Sutton Council and chair of the Senior Appointments Committee, Cllr Ruth Dombey, said: “Mary and Gerald are both excellent candidates who know the borough well. That both serving directors applied for the role allows us now to make the most of their skills. We know both will be able to hit the ground running as we continue to deliver our ambitious agenda for the borough with far less money. Appointing from within the Council not only enables us to make best use of the talents of our officers, it will also be the most cost-effective solution.”

The Committee agreed the process to identify and recruit the right candidate for the permanent role of Chief Executive, with an appointment expected to be made by early summer 2019. 

Niall will leave his position on 16 December 2018 to take up the role of Chief Executive of Hounslow Council.