Cheshire West and Chester Council to consider new Chief Executive appointment

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Staffing Committee will be recommending the appointment of Del Curtis as the authority’s new Chief Executive at the meeting of Full Council on 13 July 2023.

Del will be recommended as the replacement for Andrew Lewis, who recently took up the position of Chief Executive at Liverpool City Council.

Del joined Cheshire West and Chester Council in 2017 and was formerly Deputy Chief Executive of Health and Wellbeing and NHS Director of Place for the Council.  More recently, she was appointed as Acting Chief Executive to cover the role, pending arrangements for permanent recruitment.

The extensive and rigorous recruitment process sought an ambitious leader to support the future of the borough, the wellbeing of residents, the engagement of colleagues and the ability to ensure the Council can continue to deliver excellent public services. 

Del’s career has been dedicated to public service, joining Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust as a graduate trainee in HR in 1990.  She moved into NHS management positions across performance, commissioning and service transformation with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and Fylde and Blackpool Primary Care Trusts.

Moving into local government, Del held various posts, including Director of Social Care and Deputy Chief Executive with Blackpool Council prior to joining Cheshire West and Chester Council as Deputy Chief Executive (Health and Wellbeing) in 2017.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said:

“Del clearly demonstrated her dedication and skills as a strategic leader during our rigorous recruitment process. With her passion for public service and deep commitment to improving opportunities for our residents, Del is ideally placed to take the Council forward as we continue to build a borough where everyone can thrive.”

Del Curtis said:

“I am delighted to have been recommended for appointment to this important role.  It is an honour to have the opportunity to lead our talented and dedicated workforce, as well as working closely with our partners, to build on the great work already being done across the borough and the wider region.

“I am passionate about the positive difference that can be achieved when public services work together with their residents and partners.  Whilst there will be challenges, there are some great opportunities for our borough, and I am really excited about our future.”

Pictured - Del Curtis, the authority’s new Chief Executive.