Maldon District Council have announced that Doug Wilkinson will become the new head of the council's paid service.

The council announced the appointment on August 19, with Doug Wilkinson set to join the team as Chief Executive in October. 

This comes six years after the council abolished the post, making its Service Delivery Director, Richard Holmes, the Head of the Paid Service.

Doug Wilkinson will follow in the footsteps of Fiona Marshall, who served as Maldon District Council's Chief Executive from 2010 to 2018 before being made redundant following the council's decision to proceed with a director leadership team.

Cllr Richard Siddall, Leader of Maldon District Council, said; "I am pleased to announce that Doug Wilkinson has been appointed as the new Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service) for Maldon District Council following a rigorous selection process.

"Doug's appointment is a crucial step in building on the Council's performance and delivery, and with his extensive experience in public service leadership, it makes him an excellent choice for this role,

"We are looking forward to the contributions he will make to our Council, the Maldon District community and our partners.

"We look forward to him building on the recent work this Council has done, to achieve robust practices and to maintain stability across all of our services and community partnerships."

Doug Wilkinson joins the council from the London Borough of Enfield, where he had been the Director of Environment and Operational services for four years.

The in-coming Chief Executive said: "I am delighted and honoured to be appointed as Chief Executive of Maldon District Council. "I look forward to leading the organisation and working with our dedicated staff and Members.

"I am eager to collaborate with our partners and stakeholders to achieve the shared ambitions of the Council and our residents.

"Together, we will prioritise delivering high-quality, affordable services, fostering sustainable growth, and enhancing the well-being of our community. I am fully committed to ensuring the future success of the Maldon District, meeting the needs and aspirations of all who live, work, and visit."

He is expected to start on October 14.

The Chief Executive role involves acting as a lead council advisor, managerial leader and head of the paid service. 

The role includes coordinating and delivering council functions, managing staff, advising the council, acting as returning officer for elections and as a response leader in civil emergencies.