First chief of new Surrey council to earn £236k
Surrey County CouncilThe first chief executive has been appointed to lead the new West Surrey Council as it prepares to replace six local authorities in 2027.
Susan Halliwell, who currently leads Bracknell Forest Council, was selected following a national recruitment campaign and will receive a salary of £236,485.
The new authority is being created as part of the reorganisation of local government in Surrey, with existing councils due to be replaced by two unitary councils from April 2027.
West Surrey Shadow Council leader Paul Follows said Halliwell was "an outstanding and highly respected local government leader with a proven track record of delivering large-scale transformation and improvement".
Ten candidates applied for the role, while executive recruitment firm GatenbySanderson also approached 147 serving chief executives and senior local government leaders, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Six candidates were shortlisted for interviews before five took part in a final assessment process in Guildford.
Significant moment'
Council documents said applicants were assessed on leadership, political awareness, stakeholder engagement and their readiness to lead the authority through its creation.
Halliwell's experience, leadership approach and values aligned with the ambitions of the new council, the appointment report said.
She currently oversees more than 2,300 staff and has a budget of more than £400m at Bracknell Forest Council.
Before joining Bracknell Forest, she held senior leadership roles at West Berkshire Council and Oxfordshire County Council.
Halliwell said it was a "privilege" to be appointed chief executive "at such a significant moment".
Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
