LOWER SALARY FOR COUNCIL’S FIRST FEMALE CHIEF EXEC
CARMARTHENSHIRE Council’s new chief executive has been appointed.
Wendy Walters will take up the post following the retirement of current chief executive Mark James, who has been in the post for the past 17 years.
The current director of regeneration and policy was appointed by the 74 councillors of the full council following what was described as “a rigorous and objective recruitment process involving external senior recruitment specialists and supported by appointments committee”.
Council leader councillor Emlyn Dole led the council’s congratulations to the new chief executive, saying she will be positive and inspirational.
“I want to be the first to congratulate Wendy on her appointment,” he said.
“The three-day recruitment process has been challenging and demanding, and all shortlisted applicants have shown strength and ambition.
“We were clear we wanted a chief officer who would play an integral role in shaping the authority, and strengthening our profile as an ambitious, forward-thinking council that delivers for our residents, businesses and partners.
“In Wendy, I am confident that we will have just that, with new vigour and a tenacity to drive our ambitions, motivate our workforce and deliver for our communities.
“As we move through a period of transition in the coming months, we will work closely together, alongside our retiring chief executive, to plan and ensure a smooth change of hands. These are exciting times, and I am sure that Wendy will help steer the county onwards and upwards.”
Wendy Walters has worked in local government for 16 years and in senior management positions across the public, private and voluntary sector for more than 24 years.
The council’s current director of regeneration and policy, she has previously served the council as assistant chief executive and head of economic development.
Wendy has played a key role in several regional collaborations, securing and delivering EU and external funding programmes and multi-million pound regeneration developments for Carmarthenshire. She is the current deputy returning officer for elections.
“Both born and raised in Carmarthenshire, I am honoured and privileged to have been given this opportunity so close to home, family and friends,” said Wendy.
“I am truly humbled to have gained the confidence of the council to lead as its new chief executive, and look forward to the challenges that lay ahead.
“As a local authority, Carmarthenshire Council is not afraid to be bold and ambitious, and that is something that will drive me as I work with our dedicated team of officers and members to deliver quality services for our communities and exciting regeneration initiatives to forge a strong future for Carmarthenshire.”
Wendy will work alongside Mark James until his retirement on June 9.
Earlier this year, the council set out its stall regarding the salary and requirements for the chief executive role.
The full council endorsed a recommendation from the Independent Remuneration Panel of Wales to set the salary for the next chief executive at £145,000 – a reduction of £30,000 on the current salary and comparative to other Welsh local authorities.