Top Officer Starts Work
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s new senior officer has taken up his role.
Chief Executive Officer Gordon Mole arrived at Castle House today [July 8th] to meet staff and start work.
Mr Mole was appointed in spring, moving from his role as Head of Business and Employability at Fife Council, including responsibility for economic policy and development, town centres and tourism.
Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said:
When he applied for this job, I was impressed by Gordon’s combination of public and private sector experience which will be invaluable in our work to deliver the extensive town centre regeneration.
So, I am delighted to see him in the office, applying his experience to that and the other important projects already underway.”
Thanking Interim Chief Executive Simon McEneny for his hard work and handling of the council’s affairs for the last three months, Simon Tagg added:
We will retain our focus on providing good local services for residents while keeping costs down, pushing forward our sustainable regeneration and promoting our town centres as a place for everyone.”
Having been at Fife since 2016, prior to that Mr Mole was Head of Culture and Environment Services at Ipswich Borough Council, managing front-line operations.
He had returned to local government there after time leading on the development of new apprenticeships and graduate training as Employment and Brokerage Manager for Crossrail and was responsible for the economic development, responsible procurement and employment initiatives for several major construction programmes, including London’s Shard of Glass, Heathrow Terminal 5 and Tate Modern.
Mr Mole arrives in Staffordshire at a key time for the Borough Council. It is currently engaged in a once-in-generation regeneration of the town centre, with major developments at the Ryecroft, York Place and the Midway leading creating around 275 homes, new public space, commercial units and a clean, bright car park with more than 400 spaces.
As well as the continuing legal process with Walleys Quarry, other priorities include job creation at Chatterley Valley West; the development of Kidsgrove town centre, train station and canal area; delivery of the Knutton masterplan and the ongoing work to make the town centre a place for all.
Gordon Mole said:
It’s good to be here. The Council’s focus on building the economy, supporting the town centre and providing good cost-efficient services are firmly in place and delivering these will be my priority.
I’ve been very impressed by what I’ve seen so far, and now it’s time to get to work.”