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Rob Thomas has announced he is to retire as chief executive of the Vale of Glamorgan Council following 12 years in the role.Thomas will step down after the local government elections in May next year.He said: ‘It has been a privilege to be chief executive of the Vale of Glamorgan and to lead a fantastic and talented team.'Vale of Glamorgan confirmed that the process to appoint a successor has started and will be advertised in coming weeks. Lichfield DC has confirmed that chief executive Simon Fletcher left the authority this week.Fletcher joined Lichfield in 2021 from Agilisys, where he was head of business change practice.He has also previously served as a strategic director for Windsor and Maidenhead Council and deputy chief executive at the Government of the Falkland Islands.Council leader Cllr Doug Pullen said: ‘I wish Simon well for the future. The next steps for the council's senior officer leadership arrangements will be considered by full council, with a further update to follow.' Simon Bowers has been appointed director of assets, environment and economy at Nottinghamshire CC.He was previously assistant director of assets and environment at West Northamptonshire Council and has also worked for Daventry DC and Northamptonshire CC.Bowers said: ‘There is a huge amount going on across the county, including – but far from limited to – STEP Fusion and other parts of the Supercluster, and much to do to make the best of the opportunities open to us, for the benefit of residents and indeed the UK as a whole.‘I am looking forward to getting fully into it.' West Northamptonshire Council has announced the appointment of Sarah Hall as its executive director for resources.Hall is currently the council's corporate director of law and governance and monitoring officer.She has previously worked at Broxtowe BC, Newark & Sherwood, Mansfield and Ashfield DCs, and Derbyshire CC.A spokesperson said: ‘Since joining the council, Sarah has played a key role in supporting governance, transformation and organisational development, while leading a wide range of services.‘We look forward to the expertise and leadership she will bring to this important role.' Risthardh Hare has joined Trafford MBC as corporate director of children's services.Hare has previously held roles including director of children's social care at Croydon LBC and spent three years at Sefton MBC, being appointed executive director of children's services.He said: ‘I've been made to feel welcome and supported by everyone I've met. Most of all I have been struck by the Trafford culture of those practicing on the frontline that children and families come first.'Suffolk CC's executive director of fire and public safety, Jon Lacey, has announced his retirement.His achievements include overseeing the return of fire control services to the council.Chief executive Mark Ash said: ‘Jon has provided outstanding leadership for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and wider public safety services during his time with the council.‘On behalf of the council, I would like to thank Jon for his dedicated service and wish him and his family all the very best for the future.' Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority (CWCA) has appointed Dan Corry as co-chair of its independent economic review.Corry is chief economist at the Future Governance Forum and a former head of the No10 policy unit.He will lead a panel of experts from business, academia and public policy to review the region's economy.Corry said: ‘This is exactly the right moment to examine the evidence, engage and help shape the future of the region.‘That will mean that the mayor, on entering office, can make informed decisions and champion the region with government and internationally as well.'

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PEOPLE

Welsh chief executive to retire

By Martin Ford | 28 October 2026

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