THURROCK Council has announced that it is to appoint Graham Farrant, a former Chief executive of Barking and Dagenham Council, as its new Chief Executive.
Mr Farrant (right) was unanimously selected by the members’ appointment panel and his name will be put before a special meeting of the full council on Wednesday (30 June) for approval.
Mr Farrant is expected to take over from Interim Chief Executive Bob Coomber on Monday, 2 August.
The new Chief Executive has experience in both the public and private sectors.
A graduate of Brunel University where he secured an MSc in Environmental Pollution Science and the University of Greenwich (BSc, Environmental Health), Mr Farrant said: “I am really looking forward to the challenges of Thurrock. I know the area quite well, having been brought up in nearby Hornchurch, and been a non-executive director of Aveley Methane Ltd, as well as spending four years at Barking and Dagenham.”
He is currently Chief Executive of pmpgenesis, a management consultancy, and for the four years until 2008, he was Chief Executive of Leisure Connection Ltd, a privately-held national health,and fitness industry organisation.
From 2000 to 2004, he was Chief Executive of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and has 25 years’ experience in local authorities, starting as an Environmental Health Officer at Westminster in 1982.
He said: “I have extensive experience of working within challenging financial environments, an imperative for the lead officer of any public service organisation for the foreseeable future.
“There have been some issues at Thurrock Council, but I believe Bob Coomber has done a tremendous job in his interim post and I am looking forward to carrying on those improvements and making Thurrock a leading council providing top-quality services for all its residents.”
Council Leader, Cllr John Kent, said: “We had four strong candidates to interview, but I can’t say we needed a long discussion afterwards. We immediately and unanimously agreed that Graham Farrant was the person to help lead Thurrock into the future.
“He has an excellent track record in both the public and private sector. After nearly two years of uncertainty it was important Thurrock permanently appointed someone with vision and determination. I am certain he is the man for the job.”
Cllr Amanda Arnold, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, added: “It was testament to the council’s improvement journey over the last 12 months that we had an incredibly strong field of candidates for this key position.
“Graham will bring a proven track record of delivery in both the public and private sector to Thurrock, and we are confident that he will deliver on the vision and priorities for the benefit of our residents.”