Published on Friday, 28th April 2023
Louise Rawsthorne has been formally appointed as Norwich City Council’s permanent chief executive.
Full council unanimously approved the appointment earlier today (28 April) following a rigorous recruitment process involving a talented field of external candidates and interview panels of cross-party councillors, external stakeholders and colleagues.
Louise, who will start in her new role on 1 May, has 13 years’ experience of senior leadership in local government and has served the city council since 2021 as executive director of community services and more recently as interim chief executive.
Before joining the council, 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.
After full council approval, Louise said: “I want to thank councillors for their endorsement of my appointment as chief executive.
“I feel so honoured to be stepping into the role of chief executive for our fine city and I look forward to continuing to work with our ambitious councillors, outstanding colleagues and committed partners.”
Alan Waters, leader of the city council, added: “Louise was the outstanding candidate among a strong field for the role.
“Her authentic style of leadership – which creates an environment that’s ambitious, inclusive and built on trust, is exactly what the council needs.
“Having the right person at the helm plays such a pivotal role in all we want to achieve for the council and for the wider benefit of the city. I’m confident Louise is the right person to lead us on that journey.”
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.
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