News / Politics
Bristol City Council chief exec jumps ship to WECA
The current chief executive of Bristol City Council is leaving City Hall to join the West of England Combined Authority as CEO.
It is noticeable in the announcement of Stephen Peacock’s appointment that WECA has been subtly renamed as the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with the regional mayor Dan Norris becoming the one elected mayor representing Bristol when the city moves from a mayoral model to a committee system in May.
Marvin Rees, the outgoing mayor of Bristol, said that Peacock “leaves Bristol City Council with a legacy of delivery”.
is needed now More than ever
At Bristol City Council, Peacock’s current salary is between £175,998 and £187,163. At WECA, whose headquarters are on Redcliff Street, Peacock could be paid up to £220,000 a year.
Before becoming the top boss at the city council, Peacock was the local authority’s executive director for growth & regeneration.
Prior to his move into local government, he was an equity partner at Grant Thornton, with his early career including a decade in the international energy industry followed by becoming a founding director of 3 Mobile.
Stephen Peacock had his contract as Bristol City Council CEO extended in September 2023 to oversee the city’s move to a committee system – photo: Bristol City Council
Peacock said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve the citizens of Bristol during nearly five years with the council, including the past 18 months as chief executive.
“I wish to thank the mayor of Bristol for his consistent support during this time and to all at the council for their dedication to their roles…
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue the collaborative efforts across our region to ensure the West of England is a place people are proud to live, work and invest in.
“This is a region of huge potential, as recognised by the substantial investment secured for jobs, skills, transport and homes.
“Working together with the mayor, our partner authorities and the political leadership in the region, we aim to build on the success already achieved and grow a thriving and sustainable region for all.”
Labour mayors Marvin Rees and Dan Norris do not always see eye to eye – photo: Bristol Beacon
West of England metro mayor, Dan Norris, said: “I’m pleased to welcome Stephen Peacock to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority as our next chief executive.
“Stephen impressed all of those involved in what was a rigorous selection process with his vision and passion for the region, his experience and, crucially, his determination to get things done.”
Rees added: “I want to thank Stephen for all that he’s done for Bristol. He’s brought an emotional intelligence, expertise and trustworthiness to a really difficult job.
“He leaves Bristol City Council with a legacy of delivery, including Bristol City Leap, Temple Quarter, addressing the housing crisis and the transport changes our city needs.
“I’m delighted for the West of England Combined Authority. It is important for our region that the Combined Authority delivers on transport, housing and adult skills.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
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