Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed the appointment of two candidates to executive positions.

Following a meeting of the full council on Thursday, July 18, it has been confirmed Kathy McArdle will take up the role of executive director of place and growth in September, replacing Charlie Seward who retired earlier this year.

Kathy joins Cheshire West and Chester from Barnsley Council, where she is currently service director of regeneration and culture. In her new role, Kathy will be responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of economy and housing, environment and communities, and transport and highways directorates.

Additionally, Natalie Abraham has been appointed as assistant chief executive - director of transformation and strategy and will join the council in October. Previously employed by Cheshire West and Chester Council in a senior management role, Natalie has since co-founded CIPFA C. Co, where she was managing director.

Natalie will be responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of digital, data and technology, engagement and communications, insight and intelligence, and transformation services. Natalie takes over the role from Laurence Ainsworth, who has moved to the position of director of strategy and transformation at Lancashire County Council.

Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of the council, said: “I am delighted to welcome Kathy and Natalie to the council in these critical roles.

“Kathy’s wealth of experience in delivering large scale regeneration and place-shaping projects will be invaluable in bringing our ambitious plans for the borough to life.

“It is also wonderful to see Natalie return to the council. With her passion for local government and proven track record in transformation, she is well placed to help shape how we work differently to deliver critical services in the face of financial challenge.”

Welcoming Kathy and Natalie to the council, chief executive Delyth Curtis said: “Kathy and Natalie bring considerable expertise to the council and will be key advisors to the rest of the organisation.

“During our recruitment process, both candidates demonstrated a clear commitment to the values that strongly align with those of Members, colleagues and partners of Cheshire West and Chester Council. I am looking forward to working with them both, as we continue to strive for a stronger future for the borough.”

Kathy McArdle commented: “I am delighted to be joining Cheshire West and Cheshire Council at a time of positive change and opportunity.

"I am really looking forward to working with the council's teams and elected members, and with communities, businesses, and partners, to deliver inclusive growth and benefit for everyone in the borough.

"This is a place with tremendous heritage, innovative spirit and ambition, and I will work hard with the teams to ensure we make a positive contribution every single day.”

Natalie Abraham said: “I am really excited to have the privilege to return to Cheshire West and Chester Council in a role which has huge opportunity to support the council on its transformation journey.

"The council has always been special to me having started my career at Chester City Council and transitioning to Cheshire West and Chester Council in 2009.

"I will ensure I do my absolute best to work with colleagues, elected members, and residents to have a positive impact on the services we deliver and the delivery of the outcomes we aspire to.”