Sheffield City Council is excited to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive (subject to formal endorsement at the Full Council meeting on 12 August).
The post became vacant at the end of 2019 when John Mothersole retired after 11 years, before the current Chief Executive, Charlie Adan, stepped in on an interim basis in January 2020.
Sheffield’s new Chief Executive will be Kate Josephs, who will join the Council in January 2021. Kate is currently Director General in the Number 10 COVID Taskforce and brings with her a wealth of public sector experience from senior leadership roles in Government both in the UK and United States.
Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be recommending Kate as the new Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council.
“I think I speak on behalf of everyone who met Kate as part of the recruitment process that we have been overwhelmed by her energy, passion for Sheffield and her engaging and inspiring demeanour. Her qualities, experience and aptitude make her perfectly placed to bring the change we want for Sheffield and she stood out as the inspirational, outstanding and unique candidate in a very strong field.
“Kate has so much experience she would be a great addition to any organisation and how amazing that she has chosen Sheffield. Kate is from our region, this is where she is rooted, where her heart is and part of who she is. It comes across clearly and passionately that her background has shaped her values as well as driving her motivation and commitment to public service.
“Having being born and raised in Sheffield, living in the city my whole life, serving as a Councillor for 20 years and Leader of the council for the past 9 years, I am so excited by the opportunity this presents for the city that I love. It is a real once in a generational chance to make the changes we want to see and address some of the challenges we face.
“Kate’s experience and CV are extremely impressive and she will come here having worked in the highest level of Government in both the UK and in America, with Prime Ministers, Chancellors and Ministers. This experience will bring Sheffield great opportunities on the national and international stage.
“We are convinced that Sheffield will welcome her in the same way that we already have, Kate is an incredible asset for our city. It is now incumbent on all of us to come together and to make this exciting new beginning work for our city, in the interests of the people of Sheffield.
“I also want to give my heartfelt thanks to Charlie Adan. Charlie joined the Council on an interim basis, during what was undoubtedly the toughest time anyone could join a large local authority. Charlie has done a fantastic job throughout this crisis’’
“This is an exciting time for Sheffield and we are over the moon to be welcoming Kate back home.”
