‘Absolutely the right choice’: Jillian soon to step up as chief executive of Southampton City Council

Southampton City Council has chosen Jillian Kay as its new permanent chief executive.

Jillian is currently corporate director of wellbeing at BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) Council, where she’s worked to improve health and wellbeing services for local residents with responsibility for adult social care, public health and housing needs.

She’s also held senior roles in national government – including at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as director of local government policy and later director of resilience and recovery, which saw her lead the government’s Grenfell recovery programme.

The appointment comes at an important time for the council as it sets out its budget for the coming financial year.

Cllr Lorna Fielker, leader of the council, said: “Southampton has made major progress in recent months and is at a pivotal point in our transformation journey.

“Jillian’s wealth of strategic leadership experience in both local and national government will be a great asset to the council and our drive to modernise services, improve the lives of local people and grasp the opportunities of the government’s devolution and reform agenda.”

Jillian added: “Southampton has a rich history, vibrant culture and bright future, and I can’t wait to get started.

“I look forward to working with our council team and partners in delivering transformation and realising the city’s potential.”

Jillian takes over from interim chief executive Andrew Travers, who added that his successor was “absolutely the right choice for Southampton.

“I can pass the baton to her with confidence in her ability to lead with resilience and a clear sense of strategic direction and purpose.”

• southampton.gov.uk