News / Politics
Ocean kayaker to become Bristol City Council’s new chief exec
A senior council officer in south London who is an ocean kayak racer in his spare time is set to become Bristol City Council’s new chief executive in January.
Nick Hibberd is currently the corporate director of sustainable communities, regeneration & economic recovery at Croydon Council as well as being the chair of the Ocean Racing UK committee and competing for Great Britain in the sport.
Before moving to London, Hibberd spent more than 25 years working at Brighton & Hove City Council apart from a two-year spell at the former Legal Services Commission.
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Hibberd studied geography as an undergraduate student at the University of Liverpool and later received an MA in advice & legal work from London Metropolitan University.
In the announcement of his likely appointment, a Bristol City Council press release said that in Croydon, Hibberd “leads a wide range of services, delivering the Mayor’s Business Plan in the sustainable communities, regeneration and economy directorate and is part of the team leading the whole-council transformation programmes”.
But the Inside Croydon blog reports that Hibberd was “ultimately responsible for the council buying CCTV cameras that don’t work in Britain… oversaw the procurement disaster over the borough’s bus shelters (and) has now ensured the closure of four public libraries”.
Hibberd has been recommended as the top mandarin at City Hall by a selection committee of cross-party councillors, with his appointment due to be approved at a full council meeting on October 8.
Previous Bristol City Council chief exec Stephen Peacock, who recently jumped ship to become chief exec of WECA, earned a salary of between £175,998 and £187,163 which is likely to be the same range for Hibberd.
Nick Hibberd will start his new job at City Hall in January – photo: Brighton & Hove City Council
Leader of the council, Tony Dyer, said that the role of the chief executive is not just leading the authority “to achieve our political priorities and the best outcomes for residents” but it also “requires someone who can be an ambassador for the city across the wider region and nationally, working in collaboration with partners to meet the future needs of the city”.
In recent years, this ambassadorial role was done by the two former elected mayors, George Ferguson and Marvin Rees.
But now that Bristol has moved to a committee system of governance, the lack of a figurehead is becoming increasingly more apparent, with Dyer himself the de facto frontman.
Tony Dyer is Bristol’s first ever Green council leader – photo: Rob Browne
Dyer said: “After a thorough recruitment process, I’m delighted we have been able to recommend Nick as our next permanent chief executive.
“In Nick, I believe we have someone who embodies the council’s values and brings with him many years of local government experience and expertise.
“I look forward to introducing Nick to full council in October.”
Hibberd said that he is “delighted to be recommended to such a fantastic role”.
He said: “Bristol is an incredible city. I recognise its potential as one of the UK’s most vibrant, dynamic and innovative cities, and I am really looking forward to meeting you all.
“I recognise Bristol, like many councils, faces significant financial challenges, and I know a lot of work is already going into transforming services.
“I bring with me extensive experience in designing and delivering savings and transformational programmes to address challenging financial circumstances, whilst at the same time ensuring that basic services are delivered well.
“I want us to be a council focused upon delivering for and listening to our residents and businesses, and meeting the needs of the city’s communities consistently and sustainably.
“Equally as important to me is championing an inclusive, high performing, healthy and motivated workforce.
“I look forward to having the chance to work alongside all of you to ensure we are delivering an ambitious future for both the council and the city.
“I’m looking forward to working with the political leadership and council staff in enabling Bristol to become a city of hope and aspiration where everyone can share in its success.”
Main photo: Brighton & Hove City Council
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