NOTTINGHAM City Council has revealed its new chief executive is set to be Ian Curryer, the current corporate director for children and families.
In his first interview with the Post about his forthcoming role as the council's top official, Mr Curryer voiced his support for the proposed £26 million regeneration of Nottingham Castle.
Mr Curryer said: "I'd be very keen to support that project because I do think people see the castle as an iconic building for our city.
"It would be fantastic if we have something that really stands out as a great visitor attraction."
The post was advertised with a salary of £165,000 but Mr Curryer has offered to do the job for £160,000.
Mr Curryer has lived in Nottingham for more than 30 years since moving from Hertfordshire to train as a teacher at Nottingham Trent University. He lives in Lady Bay and is married with two children.
He taught in city primary schools for 12 years and during that time was a head teacher for five years.
Mr Curryer said he aims to be a visible chief executive and added: "I want to bring a more citizen or customer focus to our organisation.
"I want to place the citizens at the heart of what we do."
He also said that working across public, private and community sectors would be important with reduced funding in the future.
There were 14 applicants for the role – both internal and external – and Mr Curryer was one of three to be shortlisted.
He was selected by the council's appointments and conditions of service committee on Wednesday but that decision must now be approved by the full council on Monday.
Jane Todd stepped down from the role on health grounds earlier this year after she was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour and underwent a major operation.
Carole Mills-Evans, who was her deputy and the council's corporate director for resources, has been acting chief executive for the past nine months and will remain in the post until January 1, before returning to her former position.
Council leader Councillor Jon Collins, said he was pleased with the proposed appointment.
He said: "He has proved himself to be an asset to the team and I look forward to working with him in his new position.
"The final shortlist was very strong, and it was clear that any of the three candidates could have stepped up to the job.
"In the end, the panel's consensus was that Ian is the right choice.
"I thank Carole Mills-Evans for providing stability and direction during the interim period. Her hard work is appreciated."
