At Full Council last night (20 November 2023), Councillors gave unanimous approval to appoint Stephen Gabriel as Tamworth Borough Council’s new Chief Executive.
Stephen will take over from current chief executive, Andrew Barratt, who is retiring at the end of March 2024 after a 28 year local government career, and 20 years with Tamworth Borough Council.
The appointment of Stephen Gabriel brings an exceptional leader to Tamworth; with a strong track record of public service delivery with a specialist background in social housing both in local government and in the wider social housing sector. Stephen is currently Director of Housing Management with Birmingham City Council and Board Member of Trident Housing Association.
Thomas Jay, Acting Leader of Tamworth Borough Council said: “I’m delighted to welcome Stephen Gabriel as Tamworth Borough Council’s new Chief Executive. Stephen was unanimously agreed as the preferred candidate from our cross-party committee of councillors following a competitive recruitment process where all candidates showed a high level of leadership skill and competency.
“I’m looking forward to working with Stephen, as we continue to work drive forward our ambitions for Tamworth.
“I also want to thank Andrew Barratt, our current Chief Executive for his dedication and leadership as Chief Executive over the past five years, those years have been particularly challenging with the covid pandemic and now cost of living crisis.
The recommendation to appoint Stephen was made by a cross-party committee of councillors following a recruitment process.
Commenting on his appointment, Stephen Gabriel said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as the next Chief Executive of Tamworth Borough Council.
“I believe passionately in local government and its role in creating conditions for people and places to thrive. I’m looking forward to working with the Leader of the Council, Council Members, our leadership team, staff and wider stakeholders to deliver the ambitions and priorities for Tamworth.”
Commenting on the outcome of recruitment, Chief Executive Andrew Barratt said: “It was heartening to see the calibre of candidates who applied for this position, and I wish Stephen continued success as our Chief Executive.”
Stephen Gabriel will join Tamworth Borough Council on 1 April 2024.
Stephen will also fulfil the statutory role of electoral registration and the role of returning officer for the council.