DERBYSHIRE: Council appoints new acting chief

A report to the council’s cabinet on June 4 will seek approval to Ian Stephenson, 59, – the council’s current Strategic Director of Environmental Services – taking over the council’s top job following the departure of former chief executive Nick Hodgson.

Plans are underway to find a permanent appointment to fill the £150,000 a year position which will be advertised nationally in the next few days.

Announcing the decision, council leader Anne Western said: “I am pleased to announce that Mr Stephenson will be taking on this role. He has considerable experience of working in other authorities which will be invaluable to us as we move forward.”

Mike Ashworth, the council’s current Deputy Strategic Director of Environmental Services, will step up as acting Strategic Director for the time being.

Mr Hodgson’s departure was announced during a council meeting on May 15 but the council and Mr Hodgson declined to give any explanation for the reasons behind the departure.