Stroud DC has announced Kathy O’Leary as its new chief executive.

The appointment follows the impending retirement of the council’s current chief executive, David Hagg, who has served in the post for 17 years.

Ms O’Leary has 32 years of experience in the public sector, starting her career in local government as a planning officer with Hampshire CC.

She has subsequently worked for a number of district councils in Surrey and is currently strategic director of resources at Tandridge DC.