East Suffolk Council

Posted by on 19 October 2022 | Comments

Subject to Full Council ratification, Chris Bally is to be appointed as East Suffolk Council’s new Chief Executive.

Following a thorough and rigorous recruitment process, Chris was the unanimous choice of the interview panel. He will succeed Stephen Baker, who is retiring later this year after 17 years at the helm of East Suffolk and its predecessor councils.

Born in Suffolk and resident in Felixstowe, Chris is currently the Director for Corporate Services and deputy Chief Executive at Suffolk County Council, having worked for almost 30 years in public services. He has 13 years of experience at a senior level with the County Council and previously worked for Tendring District Council in Essex as well as the Audit Commission.

Cllr Steve Gallant, Leader of East Suffolk Council, is delighted to have secured Chris’s services and believes he will bring a wealth of valuable experience and knowhow to the role.

He said: “Everyone involved in the recruitment process was hugely impressed by the calibre of candidates. However, Chris impressed us incredibly with his knowledge, determination, and enthusiasm for the role, and it is clear that he entirely understands the challenges and opportunities which East Suffolk faces.

“This is the largest district council in the country by population and we are on a journey to improve outcomes for all local people. Chris is highly experienced and respected in the county, and it is abundantly clear that he shares our ambitions for the area.”

Following his selection, Chris Bally said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity with one of the country’s most progressive local councils and I feel very honoured to be taking up this position.

“I have seen up close how East Suffolk Council makes a real difference for its communities and I am determined to use my own experience and awareness of local priorities to help maintain the highest possible standards.

“This is an ambitious council with a huge agenda to deliver in the next decade and I can’t wait to get started.”

The ratification of the appointment to the role of Chief Executive will be heard at an extraordinary meeting of Full Council on 2 November.