Birmingham City Council names Cadman as permanent chief
Birmingham City Council has appointed interim chief executive Deborah Cadman to the leadership role on a permanent basis.
Cadman is stepping into the role following a formal recruitment process. She has been interim chief for just over a year, replacing Chris Naylor following his departure in March 2021.
During Cadman’s early career, she worked at the city council for seven years.
Birmingham City Council has appointed interim chief executive Deborah Cadman to the leadership role on a permanent basis.
Cadman is stepping into the role following a formal recruitment process. She has been interim chief for just over a year, replacing Chris Naylor following his departure in March 2021.
During Cadman’s early career, she worked at the city council for seven years.
The news comes after a series of recent appointments for the corporate leadership team, with Paul Kitson taking a role as director for place, prosperity and sustainability, Richard Brooks as director for strategy, equality and partnerships, Rebecca Hellard as director of council management and Sue Harrison as director for children and families.
Cadman has worked in public services for 30 years and was the first permanent chief executive of the newly formed WMCA in 2017.
The appointment will now go to full council for formal ratification.
Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said Cadman has “made a huge impact in the short time she has been with us”. “Her knowledge, understanding and commitment to Birmingham will be invalu-able for the years ahead,” he said.
“The Commonwealth Games are less than a month away and the city has a golden decade of oppor-tunity ahead. Deborah has played a vital role in ensuring people and communities reap rewards whilst also working with partners to ensure our residents are supported during the current cost-of-living cri-sis. I know she is as passionate as I am about this city and its bold and bright future.”
Cadman said: “This city has always been close to my heart and to be leading the team as Birmingham looks forward to the bold opportunities ahead is personally very exciting. We will see the eyes of the world on us in the coming weeks, and it is important we not only show them how amazing this city is but also that we don’t lose focus on ensuring that those who live here benefit too.
“I am relishing the challenges ahead and how me and my team can make sure that the legacy from the Games really is the start of a golden decade for Birmingham.”
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