Published: Tuesday, 18th March, 2008 17:00
Council gets new chief executive
By Adam Hewitt
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Michael Coughlin, the preferred choice to be Reading Borough Council's new chief executive.
Pic by: Jon Rigby
COUNCILLORS and officials have picked their new boss.
Reading Borough Council chief executive Trish Haines moved to Worcestershire County Council at the end of last month, and a cross-party panel was put together to select a replacement.
The “outstanding choice” is Michael Coughlin, chief executive of Crawley Borough Council since 2002.
Mr Coughlin’s appointment must be ratified by the full council on April 1, but this seems certain since he has support from party heavyweights including council leader David Sutton and his deputy Jo Lovelock, former Tory leader Fred Pugh, and Lib Dem leader Bob Green.
Mr Coughlin, 48, grew up in Crawley and has 27 years experience of local government, including senior positions at Elmbridge Borough Council in Surrey and at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
He said: “The potential and opportunities at Reading are fantastic. The excellent work that has been done to ensure the town’s success is something we will want to continue. I am really looking forward to working with Councillors, staff and partners alike, to help Reading realise its ambitions for the Council, the town and the wider sub-region.”
Council leader David Sutton added: “Michael has already built up a strong reputation as a creative and progressive local authority chief executive, and this is a great career move for him. We are all delighted with the appointment, and look forward to working with Michael in the coming years.”
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