Kent County Council appoints new group managing director

Katherine Kerswell, the current chief executive of Northamptonshire County Council, has been named as Kent County Council’s new group managing director.

Kerswell, who is also President of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, has had a career in local government spanning more than 20 years.

Paul Carter, leader of Kent County Council and chairman of the Personnel Committee, said: “Kent County Council’s cross party Personnel Committee has unanimously recommended Katherine’s appointment.

"We were all enormously impressed by Katherine’s breadth of vision and energy and her absolute commitment to placing Kent citizens at the heart of the services we deliver. She will be a worthy successor to our outstanding chief executive Peter Gilroy who leaves in May. Our recommendation for her appointment will go for confirmation to the Council at its next meeting on 1 April 2010.”

It is expected that Kerswell will take up her appointment at the beginning of July 2010. She will retain her current salary of £197,000.

Group Managing Director is a new title for Kent County Council. The role includes the responsibilities of being Head of Paid Service and leading the Chief Officer’s Group.