Head-hunters have started the search to fill one of the biggest jobs in local government, with a £200,000 salary package to match. Newham LBC in east London is seeking a new chief executive to replace Dave Burbage, who is retiring after eight years at the helm. The successful candidate will be responsible for an area which covers the site of the 2012 Olympics, including the Olympic Park, village, stadium and aquatics centre. The three-star council's elected mayor, Sir Robin Wales, said: ‘Not only do we cover the Olympics, which will create 30,000 jobs, but also a hugely diverse borough with internal and external challenges. ‘We were once one of the worst councils, but we've driven up standards and now we want to be even better.' He said he was open-minded about the candidate's background, which could be from the private or public sectors, or even from overseas. Executive search consultant Rockpools is handling the post, and interviews are scheduled for July. Chris Wood, currently deputy chief, has been appointed Newham's acting chief executive.
