Bolton Council has promoted their deputy chief executive Sue Johnson to the top job. She was appointed following what the council described as ‘a rigorous and competitive interview process’.
It follows the announcement by Bolton’s current chief executive, Tony Oakman, that he will be retiring in October after more than four years in the role.
Sue joined Bolton in 2008 as deputy director of corporate resources and became the council’s treasurer in 2014.
Her appointment was confirmed at a meeting of the full council on Monday, September 26.
Council leader Martyn Cox said: “I’m delighted that we have appointed Sue as the new chief executive of Bolton Council.
“Her passion and commitment for Bolton, already demonstrated in the last few years as a senior leader at the council, came through very clearly during the interview process.
“She has demonstrated her abilities to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
“I have been impressed by her commitment to transforming services for residents, her capacity to lead by example and her ability to work with and develop our talented and diverse workforce.”
Sue Johnson said: “‘I am honoured to have been appointed as Bolton Council’s next chief executive.
“Bolton is a brilliant, friendly and diverse borough, with many exciting opportunities ahead.
“I will work to enable all our residents to live well, while supporting council colleagues to deliver the best possible service for our community.”
She will take up her position as chief executive on Monday, October 3.
At the meeting outgoing chief Tony Oakman was praised by leaders of all the political groups of the council.
Conservative leader, Coun Martyn Cox, said: “I don’t think any chief executive has had to cope with as much as you have.
“It’s been a really extraordinary period.
“You’ve had four different council leaders over four and a half years, a global pandemic and I have to say I found yourself and the wider team at Bolton Council were extraordinary over that period.
“It will be remembered for the leadership you provided.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for this council.”
Speaking on behalf of the Labour group, Coun Martin Donaghy, said: “Thank you for what you’ve done, for being a good servant for this council and every single citizen of Bolton.”
Read next:
