East Suffolk Council
East Suffolk Council appoints new Strategic Director
East Suffolk Council is delighted to confirm the appointment of Michelle Burdett in the role of Strategic Director, with primary responsibility for Economic Development, Regeneration and Housing.
Michelle takes up the position vacated by Andy Jarvis who retires this summer, and joins the organisation from the Greater Cambridge Partnership, where she has been the Head of Growth & Strategy for the past two years.
Prior to that, she was the Head of Inward Investment at Great Yarmouth Borough Council and has also enjoyed roles at North Norfolk District Council, the Department for Communities & Local Government and the East of England Development Agency.
Chief Executive Chris Bally believes that Michelle will be an outstanding addition to East Suffolk and its Corporate Leadership Team.
He said: “There was huge interest in this role and the standard of candidates was incredibly impressive, particularly among those shortlisted for interview. However, after a thorough recruitment process, we felt that Michelle was the outstanding candidate, in an incredibly strong field, and we are delighted to have secured her services.
“She brings a range of skills and experience which will be hugely beneficial to the Council, and I am sure we will all give her the warmest welcome when she arrives.”
Michelle will serve a notice period with her current employers and will take up her post on 23 September. She is looking forward to the challenges ahead and said: “I'm thrilled to be joining East Suffolk Council and bring my skills and passion to this exciting new opportunity. The Council’s outstanding reputation and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success.”
Meanwhile the recruitment process is already underway for the appointment of a further Strategic Director to replace Kate Blakemore whose appointment as the Chief Executive of the Borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk has now been confirmed. Interviews for this role will take place next month.