Following a national recruitment exercise, Anthony May has been appointed as the next Chief Executive at Nottinghamshire County Council, subject to approval of the County Council at the Full Council meeting in January.

Anthony, aged 51, is currently the Corporate Director for Children, Families and Cultural Services and Deputy Chief Executive at Nottinghamshire County Council.

Councillor Alan Rhodes, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Anthony impressed all the members of the interview panel with his incisive grasp of the strategic issues we’re facing. It was a unanimous decision by the panel that he was the best candidate for the job and we are looking forward to working with him in his new role next year.”

Anthony May, Chief Executive designate of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I feel very privileged to be appointed to this new role at such an important point in the future of local government.

“I’m looking forward to taking up the reins next year when Mick Burrows retires and I want to pay tribute to Mick for the excellent job he has done.”

Anthony joined Nottinghamshire County Council in June 2004 as Assistant Director for the Young People’s Division. He was instrumental in creating the Children and Young People’s Department in response to the legislative changes introduced by the Government in the Children’s Act.

Anthony’s success in this role led to his formal appointment as Director of the Children and Young People’s Department in September 2008. Since then, the department has grown to include a broader offer of services, prompting it to be renamed as Children, Families and Cultural Services.

The salary for the position is fixed at £170,000. No additional benefits are payable.

Mick Burrows, the council’s current Chief Executive, announced his plans to retire next summer earlier this year, after a 19 year career with Nottinghamshire County Council.

Commenting on Anthony May’s appointment, Mick Burrows said: “I am delighted that Anthony has been appointed as my successor. The post of Chief Executive is extremely demanding but, having worked closely with Anthony for a number of years, I know he will excel in the role and provide the excellent leadership needed to steer the authority through this period of unprecedented change.

“I look forward to working even closer with Anthony during the handover period.”