Adrian Chapman has been appointed as Peterborough City Council’s first executive director for place and economy, following a nationwide search.

He will join Matt Gladstone, the council’s chief executive in a team set to deliver ambitious plans to ensure the council’s financial sustainability and deliver improved opportunities for Peterborough, the fourth fastest growing city in the UK.

Adrian Chapman said “I am very excited to take up this challenge. My ambition is to support our members to deliver growth for Peterborough which builds in health, wellbeing and safety by design. Growth that benefits the whole community and which will create and support resilient communities where our residents can thrive.”

Mr Chapman will lead the City’s growth, regeneration, planning, highways, climate, waste, energy, housing, communities, environmental health and leisure services – overseeing an annual combined revenue and capital budget of £76m.

He will also be responsible for some of the City’s strategic programmes such as the new University, the first phase of which opened this month, the Towns Fund programme and the government’s Levelling Up fund.

Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald, leader of the City Council said: “Adrian’s excellent community links and background in partnership working across Peterborough will help us grow the City in a more diverse and inclusive way. Against very tough competition, he was the unanimous choice of our Employment Committee and has the full support of Members.”

Matt Gladstone said: “I am delighted that Adrian will be taking up this vital role within Peterborough City Council. I believe he has the drive, passion, skills and background to help the City move forward on our ambitious programme to not just become a sustainable future council, but truly make Peterborough a City of Opportunities. I look forward to him joining my senior team.”

Mr Chapman has worked for Peterborough City Council in a variety of senior roles for 16 years, including in a joint role with Cambridgeshire County Council for four of those, and has led nationally recognised work to support community focussed action around supporting residents through the Covid pandemic.

He lives locally with his partner, and outside work, is treasurer of a community organisation bringing a disused church back into use for community events and activities; and enjoys travel; gardening and looking after his three pugs.

© Eastern Echo (powered by ukpropertyforums.com).

Sign up to receive your free bi-weekly Eastern Echo journal here.