Rushmoor Borough Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, Ian Harrison, has been appointed as the council’s Head of Paid Service and Interim Managing Director.
Ian has worked for the council for more than 40 years and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in local government, as well as being a Rushmoor resident himself. Ian grew up in Aldershot and attended the Heron Wood School before starting his career at Rushmoor Borough Council in 1981.
Ian first joined the council’s taxation team in an administrative role before working his way up through the organisation, taking on more senior roles including Head of Revenue and Benefits, Head of Customer Services and most recently as Executive Director and Deputy Chief Executive.
The appointment was confirmed at a meeting of its full Council on Thursday 10 April, with effect from Friday 11 April for an initial period of six months.
As the new Interim Managing Director, Ian will oversee the running of the council, steering it through local government reorganisation, which could see Rushmoor become part of a larger unitary authority by 2028. His appointment follows a review of the council’s senior management structure earlier this year, which sees the council’s current Chief Executive, Paul Shackley, leaving the council. The structural review and new role of Interim Managing Director will help to save the council nearly £180,000 a year as part of its financial recovery plan.
Councillor Gareth Williams, Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, said: “I would like to express my gratitude to Paul for everything that he has done for Rushmoor over the past eight years as Chief Executive. Paul took the council through the Covid pandemic and has driven forward regeneration projects such as the newly opened Union Yard, and I wish him well for the future.”
Councillor Williams added: “Congratulations to Ian, who has worked for Rushmoor Borough Council for more than 40 years, bringing a wealth of experience and local knowledge. Ian is highly regarded by staff, elected members and also by our local partner organisations and I am looking forward to working closely with him in this new role.”
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