Mayor of Newham Forhad Hussain is pleased to recommend Maria G. Christofi for appointment as permanent Chief Executive.
Following a rigorous selection process, Members of Newham’s Chief Officer Appointment Committee, chaired by the Mayor, have unanimously recommended Maria G. Christofi to become the new Chief Executive of Newham Council. Full Council will be asked to approve her appointment at its next meeting on 13 July.
Maria joined Newham as Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Change & Improvement in September last year, following a period as an Independent Member for Finance & Transformation of the voluntary Newham Improvement and Transformation Board. She took on the additional responsibility of Corporate Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer) in January 2026.
Alongside working here at Newham, Maria has worked in local government for over 25 years across four other London boroughs, and a major unitary authority. Maria is an experienced Section 151 Officer with over a decade as Corporate Director of Resources, leading financial management, resilience and sustainability.
Subject to the final decision at Full Council, Maria is set to replace Paul Martin who has been Interim Chief Executive since July 2025. Paul will continue in this role until the appointment is confirmed.
Mayor Hussain, who chaired the selection panel on Friday 19 June, said: ‘I am delighted to recommend Maria for appointment as Chief Executive, with the full support of the Chief Officer Appointment Committee. This is a significant moment for Newham as we continue to deliver our vision for a borough that works for residents and creates a place that they are proud to call home.
I look forward to working closely with Maria and colleagues across the Council as we continue to build a Newham that delivers on the ambitions of our residents.’
Paul Martin, Interim Chief Executive, said: ‘Maria brings outstanding leadership experience, a strong track record of delivering change and a deep commitment to public service.
At the start of a new political term, Maria’s appointment will make sure the Council is well placed to drive forward our priorities and improvements, strengthen partnerships and most importantly, deliver high-quality services for residents.’
