SWINDON Council has officially endorsed the appointment of Simon Birch as its new chief executive.
Mr Birch has been acting chief executive since the departure of Paul Doherty last July. Councillors ratified his appointment at a full council meeting last night.
Mr Birch beat off competition from more than 70 other applicants, who included chief executives and senior council officers from across the country.
His salary will now jump from £50,000 to £125,000 as he takes over the reins of the council's top job.
Swindon Mayor Stan Pajak said: "Simon is a people's person and that will help bring everyone together to provide the best services for the people of Swindon.
"The presentation he gave in the interview was very impressive but he also has a proven track record for improvement at Swindon Council."
Mr Birch joined Swindon Council as director of environmental services in 2001.
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