Carmarthenshire County Council appoints new Chief Executive

Carmarthenshire County Council’s new Chief Executive has been appointed.

Wendy Walters will take up the mantle following the retirement of current Chief Executive Mark James, who has successfully led the council for the past 17 years.

The current Director of Regeneration and Policy was appointed today by the 74 councillors of the Full Council following a rigorous and objective recruitment process involving external senior recruitment specialists, and supported by Appointments Committee ‘A’.

Leader, Cllr Emlyn Dole, has led the council’s congratulations to the new Chief Executive, saying she will be a positive and inspirational lead officer.

“I want to be the first to congratulate Wendy on her appointment,” he said.

“The three-day recruitment process has been challenging and demanding, and all shortlisted applicants have shown strength and ambition.

“We were clear that we wanted a chief officer who would play an integral role in shaping the authority, and strengthening our profile as an ambitious, forward-thinking council that delivers for our residents, businesses and partners.

“In Wendy I am confident that we will do just that, with new vigour and a tenacity to drive our ambitions, motivate our workforce and deliver for our communities.

“As we move through a period of transition in the coming months, we will work closely together, alongside our retiring Chief Executive, to plan and ensure a smooth change of hands.

“These are exciting times, and I am sure that Wendy will help steer the county onwards and upwards.”

Wendy Walters has worked in local government for 16 years and in senior management positions across the public, private and voluntary sector for over 24 years.

The council’s current Director of Regeneration and Policy, she has previously served the council as Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Economic Development.

Wendy has played a key role in several regional collaborations, securing and delivering EU and external funding programmes and multi-million pound regeneration developments for Carmarthenshire.

She is the current Deputy Returning Officer for elections.

“Both born and raised in Carmarthenshire, I am honoured and privileged to have been given this opportunity so close to home, family and friends,” said Wendy. “I am truly humbled to have gained the confidence of the Council to lead as its new Chief Executive, and look forward to the challenges that lay ahead.

“As a local authority, Carmarthenshire County Council is not afraid to be bold and ambitious, and that is something that will drive me as I work with our dedicated team of officers and members to deliver quality services for our communities and exciting regeneration initiatives to forge a strong future for Carmarthenshire.”

Wendy will work alongside Mark James until his retirement on June 9.