Cumbria CC has today appointed Diane Wood as its full-time chief executive following a meeting of the full council.

Ms Wood, aged 53, who was previously assistant director of resources at Cumbria, has spent her entire working career in local government, having begun her working career with South Tyneside MBC.

She was appointed after a full selection process, which, included an independent peer review panel. 

Her £140,000 salary represents an 18% reduction in the previous £170,000 annual wage for Cumbria's top post, and marks the beginning of a major review of senior management as part of £80m budget saving exercise over the next three years.

‘I am particularly looking forward to working closely with the council's political leadership and helping them deliver against their priorities,' Ms Wood said.
 
‘I want to be part of the team that ensures Cumbria's voice is heard at a regional and national level and that despite the tough financial climate, we continue to do all that we can to deliver good services to the people of Cumbria,' she added.

Leader of Cumbria CC, Cllr Stewart Young said: ‘Diane is one of the most competent officers I have ever had the pleasure of working with and she will be a strong and confident chief executive with drive, ambition and focus to help steer us through what will be the most challenging financial times that this authority has ever had to face.

‘I am now looking forward to working together to make the changes we need to deliver savings and drive through important changes to reshape the way we deliver services both now and in the future.'