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Andy Williams has been appointed director of economy and skills at Birmingham City Council.He previously worked at Coventry City Council for 22 years, most recently as director of regeneration and economy.Announcing his departure from the authority, he said: ‘It's been an incredible journey, we've achieved so much together. The city has changed so much through what we have done together and will go from strength to strength.‘It takes a lot of people working towards shared goals to make genuine change. The city is so diverse and harnessing that diversity and difference will make it the best it can be.' North West Leicestershire DC's director of resources, Paul Stone, has announced his retirement.He has previously worked at Derbyshire CC and Rotherham MBC in a career spanning almost 40 years in the public sector.Stone said: ‘I've had the privilege of working alongside some truly exceptional people. Colleagues, mentors, and teams who have challenged me, supported me, and taught me so much.‘Those experiences have shaped not only my career, but also my leadership style. But for now, it's time to slow down a little, take a breath, and begin a new chapter – exploring the world with my wife and making the most of the years ahead.' Sarah Robinson has joined Preston City Council as director of environment and property.She was previously head of property at Lancashire CC, a position she held for 18 months, and has also worked at Blackpool Council and Wigan MBC.Chief executive Adrian Phillips said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Sarah to her new role at Preston City Council and look forward to working with her to drive forward and deliver some ambitious projects that are designed to improve health and wellbeing, promote active travel and better the overall landscape and built environment of our city's infrastructure and communities.' Stoke-on-Trent City Council has appointed Nichola Thompson as its corporate director of adult social care and all age commissioning.She is currently director of health and care integration and interim place lead for Rochdale BC and Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board.Thompson will take over from Peter Tomlin, who is taking up a role at Manchester City Council.She said: ‘I want to work with partners to deliver services that improve outcomes for residents, reduce health inequalities and allow people to lead as independent lives as possible.‘And having lived in the area all my life I'm also very invested in the people, the heritage and the ambitions we have for the city.' Tasnim Shawkat has been appointed as assistant Best Value inspector at Bedford BC.She will take over from Parveen Akhtar, who withdrew from the role for personal reasons.Shawkat will join inspector Paul Najsarek, who recommended her for the role, and fellow assistant inspector Margaret Lee. Richard Kirkman has been announced as the new figure in charge of Veolia's UK operations.He has been appointed chief executive for Northern Europe, taking over from Gavin Graveson following his departure to become chief executive of Veolia's Asia Pacific Zone.Kirkman was previously managing director of Veolia Australia & New Zealand.He will also head growth and innovation and join the group's executive committee.Kirkman said: ‘Environmental security is essential for public and private entities across the zone and our innovative solutions are primed to support economic growth with sustainable sovereignty.'

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Birmingham announces new director of economy

By Martin Ford | 02 April 2026

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