New boss named at South Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire Council have announced Cleland Sneddon as the man to replace retiring Lindsay Freeland as their chief executive.
And the former Argyll and Bute Council chief executive has been welcomed by his peers.
Council leader John Ross said Mr Sneddon “stood out” from the other candidates, in part because of his experience in local government with Midlothian, Argyll and Bute, and South Lanarkshire councils.
Mr Sneddon – who previously worked for South Lanarkshire between 1996 and 2008 – was appointed to the post following the council’s selection process which concluded on Friday, September 20.
Argyll and Bute Council have said they are “disappointed” to lose their chief executive after almost a decade of service, including three years in the top job.
Councillor Ross, who represents Hamilton South, said: “I am delighted to be able to appoint Cleland Sneddon to the post of chief executive of South Lanarkshire Council.
“He stood out in a very talented field of shortlisted candidates and will bring a wealth of experience in local government to the role.
“I am particularly pleased to see Cleland returning to South Lanarkshire bringing the experience he has gained from other authorities.”
Mr Sneddon added: “It is an honour to be selected for this position and I cannot wait to get started in my new role.
“South Lanarkshire Council is known as a forward-thinking and well-performing local authority and I am looking forward to building that reputation further, and making sure that we deliver the best possible services for local residents.”
Mr Freeland announced in July that he would retire as chief executive this month calling time on his 23 years with the local authority.
In April, South Lanarkshire Council came in for criticism when it was revealed the chief executive earned over £200,000 a year.