Portsmouth City Council has selected Natalie Brahma-Pearl as its new chief executive, with the recommendation of the appointment sub-committee expected to be confirmed at full council on 20 June.
Ms Brahma-Pearl is currently chief executive at Crawley BC and was previously director of community services at Horsham DC.
She will replace current chief David Williams, who is retiring from full-time work after a 40-year local government career and 16 years at Portsmouth City Council.
Mr Williams will remain in post as chief executive until the end of September when Ms Brahma-Pearl is expected to start her new role.
Ms Brahma-Pearl said: “I am very excited and honoured to have been offered the role of chief executive at Portsmouth City Council. I am passionate about improving public services, and this is therefore a really exciting opportunity for me to build on Portsmouth’s excellent reputation. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to lead such a progressive and ambitious council in one of the best and unique cities in the UK.
“I am very much looking forward to working with councillors, staff and partners to take the many great opportunities forward for the city and build on the strong foundations in place. I will continue supporting residents and businesses and further improve the city into the future.”
Steve Pitt Portsmouth leader (Lib Dem) said: “I am pleased to say that the selection panel made up of the different group leaders and Cllr Suzy Horton, has unanimously agreed to appoint Natalie Brahma-Pearl as the new chief executive of Portsmouth City Council.
“Natalie has a wealth of local government experience, including six years as chief executive at Crawley, and she impressed the recruitment panel with her clear and obvious commitment to, and ambition for, making a positive difference to our residents and communities in Portsmouth.”