The new Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service at Herefordshire Council, Paul Satoor, has been appointed into the role as of the 26th of June.

He replaces outgoing Chief Executive Paul Walker, who has retired after joining the council in 2021. The Council say that Mr Walker’s achievements include strengthening the council’s financial position and delivering major investment in key services, notably improving children’s services from an Ofsted rating of “inadequate” in 2022 to “good” with “outstanding” leadership.

In a statement, Paul Walker said it had been “an honour to serve as Chief Executive of Herefordshire Council,” adding that he was “proud of what we have achieved together over the past five years.” He said the council had strengthened its finances, improved key services and made progress on major infrastructure and regeneration projects that will “support jobs, homes and opportunities for residents for years to come.” He added that Herefordshire is “a county with enormous opportunity,” and that he leaves confident the council is in a strong position for the future.

Council Leader Johnathon Lester thanked Mr Walker for his “outstanding service over the past five years,” saying he had steered the council through “significant challenge and transformation,” leaving it “in a far stronger position than when he first arrived.” He also thanked him for his “dedication, professionalism and commitment to the county.”

As Paul Satoor takes on the role, his responsibilities as chief executive include providing overall leadership and management of the council, its services and staff, whilst ensuring effective use of resources.

In a statement, Mr Satoor said he was “proud to be taking up the role of Chief Executive,” and that the council and county “have much to be proud of, alongside significant opportunities for the future.” He said he is keen to “build on the strong progress already made” and looks forward to working with councillors, staff and partners to deliver excellent public services, support vulnerable residents and “make a positive difference for communities across Herefordshire.”