A full meeting of Newham Council this evening (17 July) appointed Paul Martin as Interim Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service for the Council.
Following the departure of the former Chief Executive, Abi Gbago. He will take up the post tomorrow, Friday 18 July.
Paul is one of the most experienced Chief Executives in local government, perhaps best known for his role as Chief Executive of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth Councils between 2016 and 2021, following the creation of what has become a successful and enduring shared staffing arrangement between the two boroughs.
Paul had been Chief Executive of Wandsworth Council since 2010, having previously held the same role in Peterborough City Council and Sutton Council.
Since leaving south west London, Paul has built a successful track record as an Interim Chief Executive, first with the Government of Jersey for 12 months, then with Ealing Council, and, most recently, in Bristol City Council.
Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said: “Paul is amongst the most experienced Chief Executives in local government and I am delighted that he will be joining us in Newham. His experience and wisdom will be a huge benefit to the Council as we accelerate our improvement programme, respond to our Best Value Notice and deliver on our commitment to Building a Fairer Newham.”
Commenting on his appointment, Paul Martin said: “I’m looking forward to joining Newham as its interim Chief Executive and getting started immediately.”
“Newham Council has many strengths and some significant challenges. I’m looking forward to working with Mayor Fiaz and her Cabinet, and all Councillors, and to meeting Council staff and supporting them in their work to deliver good services to Newham residents in a culture of continuous improvement.
“In the many places I have worked, I have learnt that collaboration is at the heart of an effective Council. I will foster teamwork in all parts of the Council and focus on the needs of Newham’s residents”.
