New council chief executive starts job

Andrew Kerr started as Wiltshire Council's new chief executive yesterday (February 10) and immediately set about meeting staff.

His arrival will strengthen the work of the new council to deliver high quality, low-cost services for local people. He will use his wealth of experience to build on the progress made by the authority in its first year. 

He takes over the role from Dr Keith Robinson, who retired after 16 years at the council.

Mr Kerr, greeted staff at a series of briefings on his first day and explained what attracted him to Wiltshire, he said: Wiltshire's key goal of stronger resilient communities, through high quality, low cost services, open honest, local decision making and working together for the good of our communities, is what first attracted me to this job”.

He added: I want to make Wiltshire one of the best authorities in the country and the work we do with our communities to be our greatest strength. I am here because I believe that Wiltshire can achieve these things in a short space of time and make the county an even better place to work, play and visit.”

Andrew joined from North Tyneside Council, where he was chief executive.

He has 27 years experience in local government and has previously held senior positions in Birmingham City Council, Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Audit Commission.

During his time at North Tyneside Council Mr Kerr earned wide recognition for his contribution to the authority’s improvement.

Born in Falkirk, he is a former international athlete who represented Great Britain at 400m.