Steve Mawson is to become the new chief executive of Kirklees Council.

Mr Mawson will replace the council’s top officer Jacqui Gedman who announced her retirement in March. Council documents revealed her salary to be £187,087 this year.

Mr Mawson was chosen unanimously by the council’s cross-party appointments panel and, subject to approval by full council, he will take up the post in October.

Mr Mawson is currently deputy chief executive and executive director of corporate resources at Gloucestershire County Council. His responsibilities include setting the council’s long-term vision as well as responsibility for the authority’s finances, IT, property portfolio, communications and human resources.

It’s a return to Yorkshire for Mr Mawson who also had 15 years’ experience with Doncaster Council where he served as chief financial officer.

Outgoing chief executive Jacqui Gedman (left) with council leader Shabir Pandor and senior director Rachel Spencer-Henshall.

Kirklees Council leader Clr Shabir Pandor said: “Steve has extensive experience in local government and an impressive record of success. He is the right person to help take us forward and was the unanimous choice of the appointments panel.

“When we started our recruitment process, we were looking for someone who could help deliver our vision for Kirklees. We’re confident Steve can work with our staff, partners and communities to do exactly that.

“Steve’s financial acumen and commercial experience will also be a major asset for Kirklees as we deal with the economic challenges faced by councils across the country.”

Kirklees Council announces up to 750 redundancies as scale of financial crisis is laid bare

Kirklees Council announced last week that it had a £47 million black hole in its budget and up to 750 redundancies would have to be made.

Mr Mawson said: “It’s an honour to be put forward for one of the top jobs in local government. I’m looking forward to getting to know Kirklees staff and communities and help the council to deliver its ambitions.

“With my Yorkshire roots, coming to Kirklees will feel a lot like coming home. I can’t wait to meet the team and get stuck into the job.”