Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils have appointed two Strategic Directors to help lead the officer teams at both councils.
Julian Higson has been appointed to the role of Strategic Director, Housing, Communities and Environment and Ezra Wallace has been appointed to the role of Strategic Director, Economy, Planning and Place. The appointments follow a recruitment campaign which saw 64 applications across the two roles. Interviews were held by the Guildford and Waverley Joint Senior Staff Committee, which is comprised of senior councillors from across parties at both councils.
Julian Higson joined the councils in March this year as Interim Strategic Director, and will take up the permanent role with immediate effect. He has 30 years’ experience spanning local government, housing associations and the private sector. His previous roles at director level include Bristol City Council and a joint role at Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council.
Mr Higson said: “I’m delighted to have been offered the permanent position at Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils. I’ve been really impressed by the passion and professionalism of the officers at both councils. We’ve made some significant progress in just a few short months, and I’m thrilled to be able to continue that and capitalise on the huge potential that exists within both organisations.”
Ezra Wallace is currently Director of Policy & Projects at Westminster City Council, where he led the development and adoption of a new local development plan, alongside innovative strategies and programmes to invest in high streets, help local people into employment and tackle the climate and ecological emergencies. Prior to that, he has held a number of policy, strategy and delivery roles at Westminster City Council since 2010. He will take up the position in the Autumn.
Mr Wallace said: "Both Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils have some exciting projects in development or planned over the next few years, and I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to provide strategic direction and leadership for them. It looks like there are also some major changes coming to planning and economic development and I can’t wait to get stuck in and help both councils make the most of the opportunities these will bring.”
Leader of Guildford Borough Council, Cllr Julia McShane said: “The appointment of two Strategic Directors with such great passion and drive, further strengthens and supports our commitment to providing the best possible service to our residents and businesses. I look forward to welcoming Ezra to our council and I’m delighted that Julian is now permanent. I’m excited for what the future holds with them as part of the senior leadership team. I have no doubt that both will bring experience, dedication and enthusiasm to help us ensure that Guildford continues to be a brilliant place to live, work and do business.”
Leader of Waverley Borough Council, Councillor Paul Follows, said: "I’m incredibly pleased that we have been able to appoint two excellent candidates, out of a very strong group of applicants. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment to doing what is best for our residents. The success of our partnership depends heavily on the vision, talent and leadership of our strategic directors, and I feel absolutely confident that Julian and Ezra are the right people to help take the councils forward together.”