New MD set to take the reins in borough
LEADER ‘THRILLED’ TO BE JOINING STOCKTON TEAM
A NEW top officer has been lined up to lead Teesside’s biggest borough.
Mike Greene will be the new managing director of Stockton Council when he is sworn in at a meeting next week. The 38-yearold is the chief executive of Scarborough Council but has also had experience on Teesside as an assistant director at Redcar and Cleveland Council.
Mr Greene will take the reins from Julie Danks, who is retiring after stepping into the new role in 2019. The new leading officer has worked in the North West and in West Yorkshire in the past.
Officials say he led an ambitious regeneration programme in Scarborough – and also played a role in the devolution deal for York and North Yorkshire as part of a local
government rejig. Leaders agreed an overhaul of the council’s top team in February – with a slimmeddown senior squad.
The shake-up aims to save £200,000 a year on top of past rejigs which saved £1m. But initial costs of £550,000 over the next two financial years, as well as rises to top officer pay, sparked criticism and debate earlier this year.
An increase in the managing director’s salary from £153,611 to £159,000 was eventually agreed to bring Stockton into line with the rest of the region.
The cabinet report at the time stated: “It is apparent that the salary has fallen behind market averages.
“The average (top officer) salary for the 11 North East authorities – excluding Stockton – is currently £175,380 and the average for the 14 CIPFA ‘near neighbour’ authorities is £170,625.”
Mr Greene, who is married with two young children, revealed he was looking forward to taking on the new role. He said: “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Stockton at this exciting time.
“The borough is such a special place – with proud and vibrant communities at its heart.
“The council has achieved so much, and I cannot wait to join the team of passionate and committed elected members and officers as well as work with partners and the community to make the borough an even better place to live, visit, work and study.”
Council leader Bob Cook was pleased with the appointment.
Cllr Cook said: “He has the skills and drive we are looking for to continue our commitment to deliver first-class services to our residents and businesses, develop our support for children and adults and lead the exciting plans we are progressing across our six towns.”
The recruitment has also seen Ged Morton return to Stockton as a director after a spell at Gateshead.
It is expected both will join the council later this year.