Walsall Council has ratified the appointment of its new chief executive.

Emma Bennett has been formally appointed as chief executive following a full meeting of Walsall Council on Monday 10 July 2023. 

Full council approved the appointment following an extensive recruitment process. 

Emma will start in her new role in the autumn. She will be joining the council from the City of Wolverhampton Council where she is currently executive director of families. Emma will replace Deborah Hindson who has been interim chief executive at Walsall Council since February 2023. 

Emma is an experienced senior local government leader and has worked in the public sector for more than two decades. For the last 10 years Emma has held senior positions at the City of Wolverhampton Council.

Under Emma’s leadership, Wolverhampton’s children’s services has recorded a sustained ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted. After full council approval, Emma said:

“I want to thank councillors for their endorsement of my appointment as chief executive. I am really thrilled to be appointed chief executive of Walsall Council.

“I am looking forward to joining the team and building on the great work already happening in Walsall to create an exciting future for the people of the borough.” 

Councillor Mike Bird, Leader of Walsall Council, added: “I am delighted to welcome Emma to Walsall.

“This is a borough that is undergoing real transformation, creating a wealth of opportunity. We have ambitious plans for Walsall and Emma will be joining us to deliver those ambitions and to build on our achievements.

“Emma has a wealth of local government experience and she knows this area well. I’m very much looking forward to working with her.”