New Chief Executive appointed at Aberdeenshire Council

Jim Savege will become the new Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council, it has been confirmed.

The Corporate Director for Environment and Community Services at Cumbria County Council was selected following a national recruitment campaign and a series of interviews by the council’s Appointments Committee.

Confirming the appointment, Council Leader and appointments chair Cllr Jim Gifford said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm that Jim will be joining us as the new Aberdeenshire Council Chief Executive.

“The recruitment process has been rigorous and I am grateful for the work of the committee and our advisors to help us reach this decision.

“I would like to be the first to offer my congratulations to Jim and look forward to welcoming him to this forward-thinking and ambitious authority.”

Jim Savege said his focus would be to lead the council as single corporate organisation.

“I am humbled to be asked to be the new chief executive for Aberdeenshire Council,” said Jim.

“I am looking forward to working with staff and supporting them at a time when there’s a huge amount of change in the public sector.

“I want to see us move forward as one council heading in a clear direction, continuing to deliver excellent services.”

Current Chief Executive Colin Mackenzie said: “I am delighted to welcome Jim to Aberdeenshire Council.

“I share the view that he is the right person to continue the good work of the authority and to provide strong leadership as we approach the challenges before us.”

It is expected that Jim will join Aberdeenshire Council in February 2015.