Louise Rawsthorne, who stepped into the role of interim chief executive at the council last month, has been put forward as the top candidate to become the council’s permanent chief executive.
Subject to the appointment being confirmed at council on Friday 28 April, it will come into effect on 1 May.
The appointment of a new permanent chief executive at City Hall follows a rigorous recruitment process involving a talented field of external candidates and interview panels of cross-party councillors, external stakeholders and colleagues.
Louise has 13 years’ experience of senior leadership in local government and has served the city council since 2021 as executive director of communities. She previously worked at the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and at Babergh and Mid Suffolk Council’s in a range of roles including housing, economy, property, regeneration and commercial companies.
Alan Waters, leader of the council, said: “Appointing the right chief executive to lead the city council is critical when it comes to achieving our shared goals.
“Being in the top job here always requires a particular kind of leader: one with resolve, ambition, tenacity and resilience. In addition, the chief executive needs the skills to lead across the whole city to achieve our ambitious plans, with the help of key partners.
“It’s for these reasons that Louise clearly emerged as the top candidate for the job as she very ably demonstrated she has all the attributes needed to lead the organisation.
“Subject to approval, we look forward to working with Louise to collectively pull together and realise our ambitions for the council and our wonderful city.”
Louise said: “I’m so pleased to be taking on the role of chief executive and to be working with my leadership colleagues on the next stage of the journey to deliver our exciting and ambitious plans for the city.
“We have hugely talented and committed colleagues throughout the council as well as knowledgeable and ambitious elected members. Combined with our supportive stakeholders and communities across Norwich, we can shape a great future for the city.”
Louise will replace Stephen Evans as chief executive after he took up the same role at Windsor and Maidenhead council following three years in post at the city council.
- More articles in the news archive
- Norwich City Council news RSS feed
