Alex Powell, the new Assistant Chief Executive, joins Thurrock Council today (Monday 22 January). The Assistant Chief Executive (ACE) role is essential to the council's improvement journey and a core part of the new senior leadership team being formed by Dave Smith, Chief Executive and Managing Director Commissioner. The ACE is tasked with delivering change and forging a healthy council culture for the future.
Alex's career spans more than 20 years as a central government civil servant specialising in local government finance, policy and economic growth. Alex's experience includes leading the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) team with oversight of local government intervention, helping councils across the country most in need of support when things went wrong.
Alex has also led significant capital programmes and stewarded Bills through Parliament affecting local government. He has been a Principal Private Secretary to two Cabinet Ministers, and a senior adviser on economic and domestic affairs at the Cabinet Office.
Thurrock born and bred, Alex grew up in a small village in the borough and went to school locally. His first work experience placement was at Thurrock Council in the Architects Department back in the mid-1990s. Alex also worked as an admin officer in the council's legal team for a while before his career took him away from Thurrock until now.
Alex said: "Everyone talks about Thurrock being a place of huge potential and that's totally true. Thurrock is more than just the headlines in the national press due to the problems the council has experienced in recent times. There are challenges ahead and we shouldn't shy away from that, but there are also opportunities too to do things differently.
"I've been drawn back to Thurrock to use the skills and experience I've gained over many years to help the borough reach that potential. It's great to be back.
"I'm a keen problem solver and enjoy listening to people to understand what’s needed to make a difference. I'm ready to start straight away to work with colleagues, councillors and partners to make sustainable change happen."
Dave Smith, Chief Executive and Managing Director Commissioner, said: "Alex's strong leadership, people-focused style and innovative approach is exactly suited to the ambitious future we are building for our council. We are dedicated to being the best council we can be and achieving financial sustainability. Alex has an important role to play in delivering these aims.
"I welcome Alex to the team and look forward to working together for the good of the borough."
Cllr Andrew Jefferies, Leader of Thurrock Council, said: "Alex has the skills and attitude we’re looking for to help drive change. His experience throughout his impressive career is a perfect fit for what we need right now at this stage of Thurrock’s improvement journey. Alex's arrival as Assistant Chief Executive is an important step forward in delivering a council our residents deserve."
Recruitment is ongoing to the council senior leadership team with Daniel Fenwick joining as Executive Director of Corporate Services (Monitoring Officer) later in the spring, and recruitment to the posts of Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of Place is underway.
Photo below: New Assistant Chief Executive, Alex Powell stands in front of the Arms of the Borough of Thurrock at the Town Hall in Grays.
