Balvinder Heran has been formally appointed as the new Chief Executive at Dudley Council.

Balvinder was selected by the appointments committee in March following a national advert, rigorous assessment, and interview process.

The decision was ratified at tonight’s full council.

Balvinder joined the authority in March 2021 as Deputy Chief Executive, overseeing four directorates – regeneration and enterprise, housing, environment and digital, customer & commercial services and was appointed as interim Chief Executive on October 1 last year. 

Balvinder said: “I’m proud and delighted to be appointed as the Chief Executive and will continue to lead our programme of change as we work to create an improved, financially stable council delivering high quality, value for money services to residents.”

Before joining Dudley, Balvinder was a strategic director working across Buckinghamshire (Council, CCG and Healthcare NHS Trust) as well as the senior responsible officer (digital and information) for the Berkshire West, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire Integrated Care System (ICS).

Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council added: “I’m very pleased to appoint Balvinder to the role of Chief Executive.

“Balvinder joined as the Deputy Chief Executive and will continue to lead our transformation and improvement journey to ensure we remain financially sustainable and are focussed on those services which meet the essential needs of our communities.”