THE COUNTY’S assistant chief executive looks set to take over the top job following Trish Haines’ retirement.
Although a decision will not be made until Thursday (February 13) during a full council meeting of Worcestershire County Council, leader Adrian Hardman announced today (Thursday) they were recommending Clare Merchant for the job.
Current chief executive Mrs Haines is set to retire in April, a decision which attracted criticism when it was revealed a £95,000 payment would be made to allow her to leave on a full pension.
In his statement, Coun Hardman said they had concluded a ‘competitive recruitment process’ which had attracted an excellent calibre of candidates.
“Clare is currently our assistant chief executive and if her appointment is confirmed, she will bring a wealth of knowledge from her previous extensive experience in the commercial sector, her national role in the NHS prior to joining us and the nearly four years she has spent at the council.
“Clare has been pivotal in ensuring we rise to the challenge of change in a way which is driven by the views of residents, communities and businesses, works with partners and delivers savings, protects the most vulnerable and supports investment in the future.
“I am confident Clare’s combined external and internal experience will enable us to build on the excellent foundations we have laid over recent years to truly transform the council.”
