Newport City Council appoints chief executive
Posted on Tuesday 28th July 2020
Newport City Council has appointed Beverly Owen as chief executive and head of paid service.
Beverly boasts 28 years’ experience in local government. She originally joined Newport City Council in 2015 as head of regeneration, investment and housing, then becoming strategic director for place in 2016.
During the Covid-19 pandemic she has also held the position of acting chief executive.
Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of the council, said: “Beverly has already proved herself across broad and challenging portfolios. She leads always with aplomb, patience and foresight. Beverly also effectively develops and maintains long-lasting and important relationships with partners, businesses and other organisations, all to benefit Newport. She is determined to do the best for the council and, more importantly, for the City of Newport.
“She has also proved herself and how adaptable she is during the recent public health emergency. These have been unprecedented times for everyone and a major challenge across the public sector. Beverly has guided the authority effectively, always with the wellbeing of the city and our residents as the focus.
“I am confident that she will continue her excellent work and help Newport grow further and faster.”
In her current role, Beverly leads two of the highest profile service areas – regeneration, investment and housing as well as city services which includes waste collection, recycling and roadworks. The first area is responsible for the city’s continued transformation and economic well-being, the second involves the services used by every resident.
She began her career at Merthyr Tydfil County Council and got her first head of service job at the age of 28 in Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.
Speaking of her appointment, Beverly Owen said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far in Newport and am looking forward to this next chapter. There are challenges but also so many opportunities and I want to be at the forefront of the changes that are being made. I am honoured to take up the position of chief executive and want to do the best I can for the people of Newport and the council.”
The formal appointment was ratified by full Council on Tuesday 28 July following a robust, open and transparent recruitment process.
As a city, Newport is right at the heart of an exciting period of transformation. It was important to attract someone to the post of chief executive who can not only continue this exciting work, but will drive it forward with both passion and experience.
The post was advertised widely and was successful in reaching a broad field of potential candidates, with an excellent number and calibre of applications received.
Although delayed due to Covid-19, the recruitment process was followed in full and in line with the council’s Constitution. The selection process was carried out by a cross-party panel of elected members, supported by external specialists in the assessment of applicants. Engagement and involvement of both our workforce and our key partners from a wide range of sectors also contributed to the selection process, and we were delighted to invite the Newport Youth Council to be involved in the appointment.