Council appoints chief executive

Rachel Mann, currently the council's temporary executive director and director of public services, accepted the post this week.

She has got the job following the departure last July of former chief executive, Gillian Taylor, and her appointment is the final step in a review of the council's senior management structure that has taken place over the last seven months.

Miss Mann told the Herald: "I am delighted to have been appointed. The support I have received from employees over the last few weeks has been overwhelming and I look forward to working with them and the members as we take Craven District Council forward into the new millennium."

All the political groups on the council welcomed the news of her appointment.

Council Leader, Coun David Crawford, said: "I have had to work closely with Miss Mann over the last few months.

"I am delighted with her appointment and the decision of the recruitment panel confirms the confidence I have always had in her managerial abilities."

Conservative group leader, Coun Peter Walbank, said: "She is an excellent manager and has a wonderful personality. This is a very good appointment, not only for the members and employees of the council, but also for the residents of Craven."

And the leader of the Independent Group, Coun Carl Lis added: "I am sure Miss Mann's appointment will be good for Craven and we look forward to working with her in the future."

Coun Beth Graham, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: "I am absolutely delighted with the decision."

Miss Mann came to Craven in July 1998 as director of public services following a 20-year career with the NHS, which she joined as a graduate management trainee.

Over the last seven months she has led the review of senior management at Craven.

The chief executive's job was advertised externally and the council followed an open recruitment process.

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