Interim Chief Executive

Thurrock Council has appointed Mike Rowan as its interim chief executive.
A meeting of the full council on Wednesday night (26 November) agreed the proposal. He will take up the post on Monday.
He said: “In the short time I have been at Thurrock I have met many staff members and I’ve been impressed by the talent and the dedication you all have.
“You have the residents of Thurrock and the council’s services at the core of your heart.
“In my time as interim chief executive, I want to work with you, nourish that talent, and take Thurrock Council forward.
Mr Rowan was the council’s Head of Legal Services and Monitoring Officer and will act as chief executive until a full time appointment is made.
In accepting the post, Mr Rowan told the council he felt “privileged and honoured” when he was approached.
He added: “During the next few weeks I intend to focus on the immediate risks and issues. I will establish some tough internal controls and I will ensure the council demonstrates accountability for all its actions in all areas.”
He added: “My first priority is to restore trust and credibility. This will be achieved through honesty and openness, underpinned by clear, straightforward governance and policy.
“Change is a time of hope and a cause for optimism. I am confident that together we will improve the services of this council; we will improve the lives of people in this borough; and we will improve the lives of the officers and members of this council.
“I accept this interim role without reservation, and with only one obligation, to devote my time and energy to ensure the reputation of Thurrock Council is compassionate, transparent, honest and open.”
Cllr Terry Hipsey, Leader of Thurrock Council, said after the meeting: “Since Mike’s arrival at Thurrock Council he has carried out exemplary work and he will bring a balance to our corporate management team.
“Mike’s drive and ambition to do well for this authority will, I am sure, help take Thurrock forward.”
Mr Rowan joined Thurrock Council in August this year. Aged 45, he has spent much of his time working in the West Country, latterly as head of Legal Services at Stroud and Kennett district councils and he had a senior legal role at North Somerset Council where he played a strategic role in helping the formation of a new unitary authority.
Born in Southwark, South London, he is married with three children. He went to the University of East London (Barking) and was called to the bar in 1991, specialising at the bar in Local Government law before working in local authorities since 1995.