Isle of Wight Council is set to appoint an interim Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service at a meeting of the authority’s full council.
Wendy Perera is being recommended to councillors to take up the role to ensure a smooth handover from current Chief Executive, John Metcalfe, who is due to leave at the end of March after nearly 25 years with the authority.
Ms Perera is currently Isle of Wight Council’s Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Strategy and has worked for the authority for much of her career, including in key roles in planning.
Commenting, Leader of Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox said:
"It's great to be able to recommend Wendy for appointment. She has a proven track record in local government and brings a wealth of expertise and experience.
"Wendy has been in her current role since 2018 and has worked closely with John in managing the council over this time.
"She has also been sponsored by the council in developing her leadership and management skills over a number of years in readiness for her taking on the most senior role in the council.
"She is well-known with staff and stakeholders and will offer some much-needed continuity and stability for them as the council transitions into its future leadership arrangements.
"I am confident she will provide strong leadership and support to the council going forward."
Mr Metcalfe recently announced that he was leaving the authority after six years as Chief Executive to take up the same role at Cumbria County Council.
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