A NEW chief executive has been appointed at Middlesbrough Council.

Mike Robinson takes over the role following the retirement of Gill Rollings who steps down at the end of this month after nearly two years in the post.

He joined the council from Stockton in 2009 as director of environment, also managed adult social care from 2010 and in 2012 took on the role of executive director of wellbeing, care and learning as part of a re-structure of the council’s corporate management team.

The 53-year-old was born in Middlesbrough and has lived in the town all his life, working for Tees Valley councils for the vast majority of a career spanning more than three decades.

He said: “This is a tremendous honour for me and a fantastic opportunity in my home town, and I’m relishing the chance to play a key role in shaping Middlesbrough’s future.

“There are undoubtedly major challenges that lie ahead of us, not least in the on-going transformation of the way we deliver services in face of severe public sector budget cuts.

“However I am firmly committed to this area and will ensure this authority continues to work hard for the town and all who live and work here.”

His appointment is subject to approval by the Council’s Executive and ratification by full Council when it meets on Wednesday, April 2.