New interim chief executive appointed
Posted on Tuesday 1st October 2019
Leader of the Council, Debbie Wilcox and Sheila Davies
Newport City Council has appointed Sheila Davies as interim chief executive.
Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Leader of Newport City Council, said: “Sheila has over 25 years’ experience of working in local government and the economic development and regeneration sector.
“Coupled with having previously worked for our authority in a strategic position, and her undisputed track record of delivering major projects for the city, we are very excited to welcome her back.
“This is a period of considerable change for Newport City Council, so I wanted to make sure our senior management team had strong leadership at the helm, ensuring we are well place to continue the excellent work being done to build a better Newport. This will also give us opportunity to consider carefully a permanent appointment.”
Ms Davies’ recent role as programme director for the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) City Deal saw her lead preparations for the implementation of the £1.25bn Deal between UK Government, Welsh Government and the 10 local authorities of south east Wales.
Since leaving that post she has worked as a specialist advisor and consultant.
As strategic director–place at Newport City Council, a position she held for over seven years, she had responsibility for streetscene and city services, regeneration investment and housing services, customer services, and an overview of Newport Norse Joint Venture for all property services, and Newport Live, the city’s leisure trust.
As part of the senior management team she was also involved in all council strategic developments.
Ms Davies said of her appointment: "I am delighted to be returning to Newport – it is a wonderful city with huge potential. I look forward to putting my extensive knowledge of local government, Newport specifically, and the broader challenges facing the region and local government to best use, helping all areas of the council progress over the coming months.”
The council sought to recruit an interim chief executive following the departure of Will Godfrey. The appointment was made by a cross-party Member panel.
Ms Davies will take up post on Monday 7 October for an initial period of six months.