THE BOROUGH council's new chief executive has officially started his job.

Russell O'Keefe was appointed by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in October to take over the top job after the former chief executive Mel Barrett left to move to Nottingham City Council.

Mr O'Keefe is the former executive director of place and deputy managing director of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and started in his new role at BDBC yesterday (Monday, January 4).

He said: “I am joining the council at a challenging time as the country continues to battle the pandemic. I look forward to leading the hard-working and dedicated staff team at the council.

"As we move forward through this year, my focus will be on ensuring we are doing everything we can to support our communities and enable recovery from the economic and social impacts of COVID-19, as well as to deliver on the key priorities for our borough and provide the services our residents and businesses rely on as efficiently as possible.”

Meanwhile council leader Ken Rhatigan added: "It has been great to welcome Russell to the council.

"He will play a key role in our continuing work to respond to the pandemic, alongside our emphasis on providing good value services and delivering regeneration and development projects to bring a brighter future to the borough.”

The appointment of Russell O'Keefe was officially ratified by councillors at a meeting in October, following an interview process that saw 38 people apply for the top job, which was quickly whittled down to 11.

He is set to pick up a salary of £149,000, along with a generous civil service pension package, the option for flexible working and free car parking.

Council employees also receive healthcare, discounts at restaurants and retailers and free tea and coffee.

During his time in Windsor and Maidenhead, Mr O'Keefe stepped into the role of acting managing director for an interim period, assuming overall leadership of the council and working closely with councillors and external partners.

His previous roles at Norwich City Council included executive head - strategy, people and neighbourhoods and head of strategy and programme management. While at Norwich, he had a dual role as interim director at Great Yarmouth Borough Council with a primary focus to drive forward organisational improvement.

Deputy chief executive Ian Boll has been acting as interim chief executive since Mr Barrett left the council in September.