Steve Mawson Set To Become New Kirklees Council Chief Executive

By Joshua Robinson –

Steve Mawson is in line to take up the top role at Kirklees Council following a competitive recruitment process.

Since incumbent Chief Executive Jacqui Gedman announced her retirement in March, councillors have led the search for her replacement. A unanimous decision by the council’s cross-party Appointments Panel means that Mr Mawson’s name will be put forward for approval at the next Full Council Meeting.

If approved at the next Council Meeting, Mr Mawson will join Kirklees from Gloucestershire County Council where he currently works as the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Corporate Resources.

His responsibilities at Gloucestershire include setting the council’s long-term vision alongside having responsibility for the authority’s finances, IT, property portfolio, communications and human resources. Mr Mawson also has 15 years’ experience with Doncaster Council where he served as Chief Financial Officer.

Mr Mawson is due to take up his post at the beginning of October this year.

Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “I’m really pleased to put Steve’s name forward to the Council Meeting for approval. Steve has extensive experience in local government and an impressive record of success. He is the right person to help take us forward and was the unanimous choice of the Appointments Panel.”

“When we started our recruitment process, we were looking for someone who could help deliver our vision for Kirklees. We’re confident Steve can work with our staff, partners and communities to do exactly that. Steve’s financial acumen and commercial experience will also be a major asset for Kirklees as we deal with the economic challenges faced by councils across the country.”

Steve Mawson, added: “It’s an honour to be put forward for one of the top jobs in local government. I’m looking forward getting to know Kirklees staff and communities and help the council to deliver its ambitions.”

“With my Yorkshire roots, coming to Kirklees will feel a lot like coming home. I can’t wait to meet the team and get stuck into the job.”