East Suffolk Council
East Suffolk Council appoints new Strategic Director
East Suffolk Council is delighted to confirm the appointment of Kerry Blair in the role of Strategic Director, with primary responsibility for Corporate Services and Operations.
Kerry is to take up the position which will soon be vacated by Kate Blakemore, who has been appointed as the new Chief Executive at the Borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.
He has been with the organisation for nearly eight years, having joined as the Head of Operations for East Suffolk’s predecessor councils, Suffolk Coastal and Waveney, in September 2016.
Chief Executive Chris Bally has expressed his delight and believes that Kerry will bring a range of skills and knowledge to the role.
He said: “The standard of applicants for this position was outstanding and the shortlisted candidates were from a very strong field. However, after a rigorous interview and selection process, Kerry was the unanimous choice of Councillors and senior officers.
“He is passionate and knowledgeable, not just about the importance of public service, but also East Suffolk itself, having grown up in Lowestoft. He has accumulated a wealth of vital and relevant experience during his career; not least here, as a respected member of the Council’s Corporate Leadership Team, leading on the delivery of a wide range of critically important projects.”
Kerry said: “I’m proud to be here at a Council that delivers so much for local communities, and I am incredibly pleased to have been appointed to this position. I have always loved working at East Suffolk, and I am looking forward to playing an important part in what I think will be an exciting future.”
Kerry will take up the role after Kate’s departure, and immediate consideration will now be given to the Head of Operations role which he will vacate. This completes the Director recruitment process, following the recent appointment of Michelle Burdett to the role vacated by the retiring Andy Jarvis.