Brighton & Hove City Council has announced today (Wednesday, December 6) it will be recommending to a meeting of Full Council the appointment of Jess Gibbons as its new Chief Executive.
Ms Gibbons has been Chief Operations Officer of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council since December 2021 and is likely to join the council on Monday, March 18, subject to the appointment being agreed by councillors on Thursday, December 14.
She is at present responsible for all operational services at BCP Council, including environment, infrastructure, regeneration, customer, arts and property, planning and destination and commercial operations.
Council leader ‘delighted’
Council leader Bella Sankey (Labour) said: “We’re absolutely delighted to recommend Jess for appointment at such a crucial time for the city.
“We had an exceptionally strong field of candidates, but Jess’s energy, values, vision, breadth of experience and knowledge in so many different areas set her apart.
“As our new permanent chief executive, Jess will be key in driving forward our four-year Council Plan to deliver high quality services and to continue developing a proud, healthy, fair and inclusive city where everyone can thrive.
‘Ideal chief executive for city’
“As council leader, I’m very much looking forward to working with Jess and I believe we have chosen the ideal chief executive for our council and city.”
Before BCP, Ms Gibbons was Director for Communities and Neighbourhoods with Wiltshire Council, and Director of Community Services at the London Borough of Camden.
She worked in senior roles at Camden and was in charge of libraries, arts, tourism, events, sports and leisure, funding and support to the voluntary sector, community safety (including domestic violence, Prevent and Youth Safety) and emergency management services.
Previous roles also include Programme Director HS2, Head of Place Shaping, and Head of Parks and Open Spaces, all with Camden.
Ms Gibbons currently lives in Wiltshire but will be moving to Brighton & Hove as soon as possible.
‘Thrilled and excited’
Speaking of her appointment, Ms Gibbons said: “I’m thrilled and excited to be offered this extremely important role at one of the most vibrant and innovative cities in the country.
“Having worked at a senior level across the private, voluntary and local government sectors, the role and place are a natural progression and perfect fit for my values and skills.
“The council and local government in general are going through a critical period of change and I will be grasping this opportunity and helping pivot the organisation and place to make the most of our potential.”
A ‘diverse, edgy and creative’ city
“Brighton & Hove is similar to Camden, where I grew as a local government officer, as it’s diverse, edgy and creative, but as a coastal city it also faces similar challenges to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
“I’m looking forward to working with the political leadership and council staff to help make the city an even better place to be for its residents, businesses and visitors.”
Will Tuckley is the council’s current interim Chief Executive, having been recruited to replace Geoff Raw who left in May 2023.
Mr Tuckley has assisted the council in the appointment process for a new permanent Chief Executive and will serve until Ms Gibbons joins in March.
