Wolverhampton council to appoint new managing director Tim Johnson

Tim Johnson, the council's former deputy managing director, is set to take over from Keith Ireland, who left his role last month for a new role as chief executive of Lincolnshire County Council.

Following interviews on Tuesday, Mr Johnson, aged 52, was to be appointed following a vote of all 60 councillors at a meeting tonight.

He had worked at the council for five years and was also strategic director of place.

Last month, he spoke of future changes to Wolverhampton city centre ahead of the opening of the new market and future developments including the new transport interchange, Canalside redevelopment and Westside leisure complex.

He said the centre was at a 'pivotal point' in time and there was a need to provide more homes and leisure attractions.

Speaking before the vote tonight, he said: “I am delighted to be recommended to be appointed managing director of this great council.

"I have been here for five years, so assuming my appointment is confirmed tonight, I intend to hit the ground running which is important as we continue the fast pace of change and transformation to deliver for our city.

“The recruitment process was tough and demanding and I would like to pay tribute to my fellow candidates who were all excellent.”

Mr Johnson, who has previously worked at Walsall Council, was recommended to councillors after being interviewed by a cross-party special appointments committee.

He was one of four candidates to be interviewed.

Council leader, Councillor Roger Lawrence, said: “It was a very strong field of candidates, but Tim’s vision, ambition, dynamism and passion for the city greatly impressed the cross-party interview panel.

“Tim has been with us for five years and has made a major contribution to the transformation of the council and city. I look forward to continuing to work with Tim to take forward our ambitious plans for Wolverhampton council.”

The city's new interchange will see a new railway station built, with completion in two years, along with the Midland Metro extension which is under construction.

The Canalside Quarter will see around 600 new homes with restaurants and open spaces created in a new marina development along the Birmingham Canal old Main Line in the Cornhill area.

The Westside development will see a new cinema, hotel and restaurants built in the area of the demolished market. Work will begin on the scheme in two years.

Mr Ireland announced he was leaving his post in May. The 53-year-old had worked at the council for six years, including four as management director.

He left on a wage of £156,004.

At the time he said: "I particularly want to pay tribute to the very many brilliant council employees who have been with me on an incredible transformation journey during challenging times.”