Christine Durrant will succeed Huw Bowen as Chesterfield Borough Council’s chief executive when Huw retires in May 2026, following approval of the appointment at a meeting of Full Council on Wednesday 17 December.
Christine currently serves as the council’s Deputy Chief Executive and has been a key member of the council’s senior leadership team since 2019.
Following a comprehensive assessment centre during which Christine’s skills, knowledge and experience were subject to rigorous testing and evaluation, and a final interview, the council’s Member Appointments Panel agreed to recommend to Full Council that Christine be appointed as the council’s new Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service.
Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council, said: “I’m very pleased that Christine will become Chesterfield Borough Council’s next Chief Executive. Christine has already served the council with distinction for the past six years. During this time, she has built an excellent reputation as a leader and manager, for delivering strong public services and for forging effective relationships with the council’s many partners.
“With local government reorganisation just over two years away, Christine is also well placed to lead the council at a time of significant change – carrying forward the respected legacy of our outgoing Chief Executive, Huw Bowen, when he retires in May.”
Christine has over 30 years’ experience in local government, with the last 19 years’ in senior leadership roles. Prior to joining Chesterfield Borough Council, Christine worked for Derby City Council for over 20 years, and in her final years as the city council’s Strategic Director for Communities and Place, and Deputy Chief Executive.
Christine, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be appointed as the Council’s next Chief Executive. It will be a privilege and honour to take up the role in May.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the council. It is a great place to work with committed councillors and dedicated staff that are as one in relation to wanting to make Chesterfield a thriving borough and improve the quality of life of local people.
“As well as ensuring that the council continues to deliver for its communities, one of my top priorities will be to work with the Leader of the Council to ensure that the council, its residents and businesses are well placed to benefit from the government’s planned reforms of local government within the area of the county of Derbyshire.”
Christine will take up the role of Chief Executive on 4 May 2026.
