Tony Reeves recommended as new Chief Executive
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Tony Reeves is the preferred candidate to be the new Chief Executive of Wakefield Council, subject to the appointment being approved at a Full Council meeting on 16 April.
The news comes ahead of the upcoming retirement of current Chief Executive Andrew Balchin at the end of March 2024.
“I’m very pleased to be returning to Wakefield and to be taking up such a fantastic role. It was just too good an opportunity to miss.
“There is so much happening right across Wakefield district. From all the cultural plans as part of Our Year 2024. The huge opportunities to drive forward regeneration. And the chance to build on the work of some great frontline services in improving our places and providing support to our communities. I'm delighted to be joining a talented and high-performing team.
“I’m looking forward to getting started and delivering for residents right across our area.”
Tony Reeves
Interim Chief Executive
“Tony not only has a wealth of strong Local Government knowledge, but he also has extensive experience across our region and our district.
“With his strong leadership skills and passion for our area, Tony shares in our ambitions and I know he will hit the ground running.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery
Leader of Wakefield Council
Mr Reeves previously served as Wakefield’s deputy chief executive between 2003 and 2006. He oversaw some significant changes during his time, including driving forward regeneration schemes across the district.
More recently he has held a number of very high-profile leadership roles, including as Interim Chief Executive at Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council, and Chief Executive at Liverpool City Council.
Between 2006 and 2014 he also spent eight years as Chief Executive at Bradford Council.
Mr Reeves will take up the post on an interim basis from 1 April, with the permanent appointment subject to the recommendation being approved at the Full Council meeting on 16 April.