Birmingham regeneration chief to join West Northamptonshire Council
West Northamptonshire Council has appointed a new executive director to lead its place, economy and environment services.
David Harris, who is currently director for property and regeneration at Birmingham City Council, will join the authority at the beginning of October.
A West Northamptonshire Council spokesperson said he will succeed Stuart Timmiss, who is due to retire later that month after helping to shape the authority's place, economy and environment services since the council was formed in 2021.
The spokesperson said Mr Harris brings extensive experience in regeneration, economic growth, asset management and the delivery of major capital projects. In his current role, he oversees major regeneration and housing schemes in Birmingham, including the Smithfield and Paradise developments.
Mr Harris, a chartered surveyor and registered valuer, has also held senior roles at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, as well as working in the private sector.
He said: "I'm very pleased and excited to be joining WNC and taking on such a role with so much potential, opportunity and challenge. WNC's firm focus on delivering key place transformation programmes and service improvements very much attracted me to West Northants."
Mr Harris added that he plans to relocate to West Northamptonshire with his family.
Welcoming the appointment, WNC chief executive Martin Henry said Mr Harris' experience in regeneration, property, housing and major programme delivery would be "invaluable" as the council continues to deliver its ambitions for the area.