The City of Edinburgh Council is to have a new Chief Executive if the appointment is ratified at the council meeting on Thursday. Paul Lawrence who is currently Executive Director of Place, has been recommended for appointment.

Following a competitive selection process, overseen by a cross-party panel of senior councillors, a final decision will be taken on the on Thursday.

If the panelā€™s recommendation is approved, Mr Lawrence is expected to start as Chief Executive on 17 June.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: ā€œIā€™m delighted that following a rigorous recruitment process, Paul Lawrence has been recommended for appointment into the role of Chief Executive.

ā€œWe had an extremely high calibre of candidates from across the UK, which is testament to the Councilā€™s ā€“ and the cityā€™s ā€“ reputation. Subject to councillorsā€™ approval on Thursday, I look forward to welcoming Paul into his new role.ā€

Current Chief Executive, Andrew Kerr, will retire on 14 June, following nine years with the Council, and 42 years of public service.

Paul has been the Councilā€™s Executive Director of Place since 2015, and his responsibilities including planning, housing, transport, regulatory services and environment, as well as economic development and culture.

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