MIDDLESBROUGH Council has appointed Tony Parkinson as its new Chief Executive.
The move was agreed at a meeting of full Council on Wednesday (July 26) following a recommendation from the Chief Officer Appointments Committee.
Mr Parkinson has undertaken the role in an interim capacity since August last year, and was previously the authority’s Executive Director of Commercial and Corporate Services.
Mr Parkinson has worked in local government for more than 25 years, all of it in Middlesbrough and for the last 14 years at Chief Officer level.
Mr Parkinson said: “I feel enormously privileged and honoured to be confirmed by Council in a role that I consider to be the very best in local government.
“Having worked in local government for more than 25 years, all of it in Middlesbrough, my heart belongs here and I believe that as a Council and a town we are making strides.
“The challenges of recent years are well documented, but we have risen to meet them with resilience, determination and creativity. Each and every member of staff has played a part in this and will continue to do so.
“Together we are delivering transformational regeneration which is changing the face of the town, and that work will continue as we drive forward the next phase of our forward-thinking investment programme that has enterprise and job creation at its heart and begin to develop our Social Regeneration Prospectus.
“I’m privileged to work with politicians who have the vision that will shape Middlesbrough’s future as the city heart of the Tees Valley, and officers at every level of this organisation whose skill, dedication and professionalism are already turning that vision into a reality.
“As people close to me will know I truly believe in Middlesbrough as a great place to live, learn, work, enjoy and do business and I’m now looking forward to getting on with the job and helping the town and its people to grow and prosper.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Dave Budd said: “Tony has been an outstanding officer for Middlesbrough Council for many years, and over the last 12 months has shown the sort of strong and consistent leadership that will ensure the ambitious goals we have set ourselves can be achieved.
“The town is at a turning point in its history, and Tony clearly has the ability and experience to build on the considerable successes of recent years.
“I am looking forward to working with him as we continue to transform Middlesbrough, and develop its status as a major player in this region and beyond.”