WAVERLEY Borough Council’s interim managing director Tom Horwood has been appointed permanent full-time chief executive.

Members of Waverley’s executive committee approved a salary of £124,000 for the post in November. Independent recruitment consultancy Solace in Business recommended the increase and a change of title from executive director to chief executive.

Mr Horwood has been serving Waverley on a part-time arrangement with East Hampshire District Council and Havant Borough Council since August, where he held the position of executive director. He will have to relinquish his East Hants and Havant roles before taking up his new position.

As well as chief executive, Mr Horwood will take on the council’s statutory roles of head of paid service, returning officer and electoral registration officer.

“I am honoured and very pleased to be invited to take up the role of chief executive,” he said. “I look forward to working with local communities, councillors, partners and colleagues to provide sustainable services and to support Waverley residents and businesses.”

Council leader Julia Potts added: “I am delighted that Tom has been appointed to this role.

“When we interviewed him, we all agreed that Tom’s experience in partnership working, service delivery and community development are what Waverley needs to achieve our ambitions as a forward thinking, innovative and people focused council.

“He will also bring valuable experience and provide robust and strategic leadership.”