West Northamptonshire Council appoints new chief executive and chief financial officer

Councillors confirmed the appointments of Martin Henry and James Smith at a meeting of full council on Thursday evening (August 13).

Mr Henry has been formally appointed as WNC’s chief executive and head of paid service after serving as interim chief executive since November last year.

He stepped into the role following the departure of the council’s previous chief executive, Anna Earnshaw.

Mr Henry was previously WNC’s executive director for resources, chief finance officer and deputy chief executive and has held a number of senior positions since the unitary authority was created in 2021.

James Smith has meanwhile been appointed as the council’s Section 151 officer – the authority’s statutory chief financial officer.

Mr Smith is WNC’s corporate director for finance and procurement and has served as deputy chief finance officer since the council was created.

The authority said he had played a key role in the transition to the West Northamptonshire unitary council.

Councillor Mark Arnull, leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “I’m delighted that Martin and James have been appointed to these key leadership roles and reflect the wealth of talent and expertise we have within our council.

“Martin has provided exemplary leadership since the council was created, most recently in the interim chief executive role, while James has also been instrumental in strengthening the council’s financial stewardship and supporting our long-term sustainability.

“I look forward to working closely with them as we take the council forward into its next chapter.”

The appointments leave Mr Henry’s previous position of executive director for resources vacant.

WNC said recruitment for the role is expected to begin shortly, with the process taking place this autumn.