Chief executive of Welsh council is standing down

Chief executive of Neath Port Talbot Council, Karen Jones, has confirmed she will stand down towards the end of this year.

Ms Jones, who has worked for the council in a variety of senior roles for over 20 years, took up the chief executive position in 2020. She was previously assistant chief executive and chief digital officer. The chief executive role falls within a salary band of £137,000 to just over £150,000. The council employs around 6,000.

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She said: "I have had a wonderful experience working for Neath Port Talbot Council. It really is an organisation that is committed to serving its communities to the best of its ability and where officers and councillors continually seek to make a difference for local residents. I have been fortunate to work in a variety of different roles across the council and it has been an absolute privilege to serve as chief executive since 2020.”

“The council is stable, provides good quality services and has a strong officer and councillor team ready to meet the challenges that will undoubtedly continue to face all public services.

"We have also created a once in a generation opportunity to transform our local economy through our successful freeport bid (for the port of Port Talbot as part of the Celtic Freeport also covering the Port of Milford Haven). As I move on to other things, I am sure my successor will bring fresh energy to take the council forward into a new phase.”

Leader of the council, Steven Hunt, said:“I would like to place on record my thanks to Karen for the contribution she has made to the council and our communities over such a long period and for being such a strong advocate for Neath Port Talbot.

“The purpose and vision with which she has led the organisation over the past few years have helped the council to both respond to unprecedented challenges and achieve some hugely ambitious goals.

“Karen is respected across Wales as an inspiring, innovative, and driven chief executive and will leave the council in a strong position for her successor.

“I wish Karen all the very best as she prepares to spend more time with her family. We will miss her when she leaves towards the end of the year. In the meantime, I’ll look forward to continuing to work with Karen to progress our priorities.”