West Dunbartonshire Council’s new chief executive has been announced.
Peter Hessett will take on the top role at the local authority after outgoing chief executive Joyce White leaves in the summer after more than a decade at the helm.
Peter, who is currently chief officer of regulatory and regeneration at the council, has played role in the delivery of a number of major projects for West Dunbartonshire over the past decade including Queens Quay, West Dunbartonshire Energy Centre and Glasgow City Region City Deal.
He has also overseen services including Trading Standards, planning and environmental health.
Peter said: “I am honoured to be appointed chief executive of West Dunbartonshire Council and excited by this fantastic opportunity to continue the progress we’ve already made in the area over the past decade.
“As well as great affection for and loyalty to the area, I have a firm understanding of the pressures faced by our residents and I am passionate about delivering positive change.
“West Dunbartonshire has a lot to offer and as chief executive I will be focusing on continued improvements and support for our communities, visitors and businesses as well as bringing further investment into our area.
“While I recognise there will be challenges ahead, I’m confident my knowledge of this council and all the services it provides will allow us to deliver on our key priorities and I look forward to working together with elected members, partners and officers to achieve this.”
His appointment follows an extensive recruitment process, with the council’s recruitment committee interviewing shortlisted candidates.
Council leader Martin Rooney, who is the chair of the recruitment committee, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Peter as the new chief executive.
“Over the past decade Peter has shown impressive leadership qualities, as well as demonstrating a great understanding of all the services our council provides.
“Every candidate we interviewed was of a very high standard, but Peter’s passion, ambition and vision for the future of West Dunbartonshire stood out during the recruitment process.
“I’m really looking forward to working with him so that together we can unlock even more of West Dunbartonshire’s potential over the coming years.”
Current chief executive Joyce White added: “I want to congratulate Peter on his appointment and wish him every success in the future.
“Leading this fantastic organisation and the dedicated, hard-working people within it has been a real honour in my career and having worked closely with Peter for several years, I am delighted to be leaving it in such capable hands.”
Peter lives with his wife, two sons Euan and Finlay, as well as their pet guinea pigs Belle and Blinky.
He began his local government career at Renfrew District Council before moving into roles with the former Cumnock and Doon Valley Council, East Ayrshire Council and Renfrewshire Council.
He joined West Dunbartonshire Council in 2013 as head of legal, democratic and regulatory services, before extending his remit in 2020 to include regeneration.
Outside of work, he is passionate about live music, and spends a lot of his down time attending gigs.
