Cheshire East Council has appointed a new chief finance officer.

Ashley Hughes has been confirmed as the council's new executive director of resources and Section 151 officer.

He will have statutory responsibilities for the council's finances as well as responsibility for customer services, including revenues and benefits services, procurement, digital services, human resources and organisational development. 

 Mr Hughes said: "I am excited to join Cheshire East Council at this time of change and improvement.

"The borough has huge potential and we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the organisation.

"I look forward to working with councillors, council staff, partners, communities and businesses to make a real difference for the borough and establish a financially sustainable and resident-focused organisation." 

Mr Hughes arrives in Cheshire following three years with Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council (Credit: LDRS/TMBC)

Mr Hughes joins the council from Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, where he has been director of resources and Section 151 officer since April 2023.

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He has previously worked at the London Borough of Barnet, Westminster City Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. 

Rob Polkinghorne, chief executive of Cheshire East Council, said: "I am delighted to welcome Ashley to Cheshire East Council in this key leadership role. 

"Ensuring we have the right senior management capacity and capabilities, with the right people, in the right places, is a key part of our work to transform and improve our organisation. 

"I look forward to working with Ashley to establish financial sustainability for the council by improving efficiency, reducing costs and enhancing service delivery – and really focus on our customers, residents and workforce. 

"I'd like to thank the appointments committee and everyone who has supported the senior management recruitment campaign, including councillors, partners and council staff." 

 This appointment is part of the council's ongoing senior management recruitment campaign.

Chris Allman was recently appointed as director of planning and environment, Karen Grave as director of people and Dami Awobajo, who is joining the council as assistant chief executive. 

The appointments committee decided not to proceed with the appointment to the permanent role of governance, compliance and monitoring officer at this time.

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Recruitment to this role will recommence in March 2025. 

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