An interim chief executive has been appointed by Brighton and Hove City Council as it prepares to advertise the vacancy created by the departure of Penny Thompson.
Geoff Raw, the council’s current executive director for environment, development and housing, will take on the role with immediate effect.
Councillors agreed that he should act up yesterday evening (Thursday 16 July) and he will be paid at the current £150,000 year salary until at least the autumn.
The post is due to be advertised for a fortnight from about Monday 7 September, with a closing date of Monday 28 September.
The final interviews are scheduled for the week before the half-term holiday at the end of October.
Unless the post is offered to someone who is not currently employed, the new chief executive will be unlikely to be able to start until early next year.
Penny Thompson took early retirement last month. She said on her blog: “The council wants to appoint a new CEO (chief executive officer).”
Council leader Warren Morgan said yesterday: “Geoff Raw brings with him considerable experience of leading some of the most challenging and complicated services in the council and has been instrumental in many initiatives of citywide and regional significance, including the Greater Brighton Economic Board and the i360.
“I have every confidence that he will be able to provide the workforce the guidance and leadership it needs at a challenging time for the organisation.”
WHY?