The appointments were made following a rigorous interview process in December and the new strategic directors are expected to start work at the council this spring.
Amanda Askham has been appointed as Strategic Director for Strategy and Change. She has been Director of Business Improvement and Development across both Cambridgeshire County and Peterborough City Councils and was recently Acting Chief Executive for Cambridgeshire County Council. Amanda has more than 18 years of experience in local government and previously worked in Harvard Business School’s consultancy business in Boston and Cambridge leading innovation for several international pharmaceutical, hi-tech and life science companies.
Peter George has been appointed to the role of Strategic Director for Economy and Sustainability. Peter is currently Director of Development at Enfield Council. Peter led on the delivery of Enfield’s flagship Meridian Water development, a regeneration program that will create 10,000 new homes and 6,000 jobs for the area. He is responsible for a £1.5 billion property portfolio and £500m capital programme. and is also joint corporate lead for equalities and diversity for Enfield Council.
Finally, Robert South will take on the role of Strategic Director for Children’s Services. Robert is currently Director of Children’s Services for Havering Council, where he has contributed to the development and implementation of Face- to-Face Havering, a new relationship-based way of working with children and families. He has an extensive professional background in children’s services and probation work, having worked in safeguarding, family support, fostering, adoption, and children in care services.
Councillor Peter Mason, Leader of Ealing Council, said: “This is a great time to be joining Ealing Council as we continue to build an open, transparent and inclusive council.
“As outlined in our Council Plan, we are working to unlock the potential and the creativity of our communities and our towns. Amanda, Peter and Robert exemplify our ambitious plans and I look forward to working with the new senior leadership team to improve the lives of Ealing residents.”
Tony Clements, Chief Executive of Ealing Council said: “This is an exciting time to join Ealing as we create a brand-new strategic leadership team. I’m delighted to welcome Amanda, Peter, and Robert to the borough. In a very impressive field of applicants, they stood out for their passion for working with Ealing’s communities and for putting more power and decision-making directly in the hands of residents.
“The creation of a new strategic leadership team is a major step towards changing the council and strengthening a culture where we put communities at the heart of everything we do.”
Ealing Council will be recruiting three more strategic directors to oversee its adults' service and public health, corporate resources, and housing and environment directorates with an aim to have its new leadership team in place by Summer 2023.