Councillors at Neath Port Talbot have appointed John Flower as Corporate Director of Environment.
Currently Mr Flower holds the position of Head of Engineering and Transport, but will take over the reins of the Environment Directorate when current director Will Watson retires at the end of March.
The 55-year-old, from Gorseinon, said Mr Watson is a tough act to follow but he is up for the challenges that lay ahead.
He said: “Will Watson has been an exceptional Director of Environment.
“The Authority faces a number of challenges during the coming years, but I am confident that the strong team of dedicated staff at the Environment Directorate will face these head on for the benefit of the residents of Neath Port Talbot.”
His appointment was made after a full meeting of council on Wednesday, February 24.
The appointment process included psychometric assessments along with interviews and stakeholder group discussions with senior representatives of this Council and a number of partner agencies.
Chief Executive Steve Phillips said: “Whilst only one candidate can be successful on the day, it augers well for the Council that a number of excellent internal candidates were in the running for this job.”
Mr Flower has been with this Council since 1996. Prior to this, he had a number of years experience both with West Glamorgan Council and in the private sector. John is a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Environmentalist, a Fellow at the Institution of Civil Engineers and a member of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation.
Leader Ali Thomas said: “John has extensive experience in the field of Highways and Transportation and is well respected both within and outside the Council.
“There are a number of major challenges facing the Council over the next few years and I know that John will make a significant contribution to the corporate management of the Council and to the continuing success of the Environment Directorate.”
