KIRKLEES Council has a new chief executive.
Councillors last night approved the appointment of Adrian Lythgo as the new top officer.
Mr Lythgo, 47, was the council’s finance director. His salary has not been finalised, but it will be between £150,000 and £160,000.
He takes over from interim chief executive Paul Rogerson, who has served since Rob Vincent moved to Doncaster Council on July 1.
Mr Vincent was selected by local government secretary Eric Pickles to take over at the troubled South Yorkshire council.
Because of the short notice, Kirklees appointed Leeds City Council chief executive Mr Rogerson to take on an interim role at Kirklees for three days a week.
Council leader Clr Khan was part of a four-strong Recruitment Panel which chose Mr Lythgo. He revealed last night that 17 people had applied for the post, of whom 10 were chosen for an assessment day which included interviews, role plays and psychometric tests. Four people were short-listed for a second interview.
Clr Khan said: “After a tough test, the panel recommended Adrian Lythgo for chief executive.
“He demonstrated a great understanding of Kirklees and showed experience of delivering major organisational change.”
Mr Lythgo’s salary and start date will be decided by the council’s human resources director in consultation with party leaders.
The married father-of-two, joined Kirklees as finance director last year.
Before moving to the council he was an associate partner for accountancy firm KPMG.
Mr Lythgo has also worked as a district auditor for the Audit Commission in West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
