Sheffield Council select new chief executive - who has previously worked alongside President Barack Obama and prime ministers

Kate Josephs is due to be hired as the new top boss of the local authority, starting in January 2021.

She was chosen out of 19 candidates who applied.

Ms Josephs is currently the director general in the Number 10 Covid-19 taskforce and has worked in senior leadership roles in government both in the UK and United States, alongside President Barack Obama, prime ministers and chancellors.

Sheffield councillors are expected to officially welcome her in during an “extraordinary” full council meeting tomorrow.

Leader of the council Julie Dore said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be recommending Kate as the new chief executive.

“I think I speak on behalf of everyone who met Kate as part of the recruitment process that we have been overwhelmed by her energy, passion for Sheffield and her engaging and inspiring demeanour. Her qualities, experience and aptitude make her perfectly placed to bring the change we want for Sheffield and she stood out as the inspirational, outstanding and unique candidate in a very strong field.

“Kate has so much experience she would be a great addition to any organisation and how amazing that she has chosen Sheffield.

“Kate is from our region, this is where she is rooted, where her heart is and part of who she is. It comes across clearly and passionately that her background has shaped her values as well as driving her motivation and commitment to public service.

“This is an exciting time for Sheffield and we are over the moon to be welcoming Kate back home.”

The interviewing panel was made up of cross-party councillors supported by council officers.

Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “I'm really excited by her appointment, I'm really looking forward to her starting and giving us a fresh start, a real change.

"We're all really looking forward to her bringing fresh ideas and energy and a different way of doing things which is exactly what we need at the moment."

The job was advertised with a salary of £190,000.

Ms Josephs will take over from Charlie Adan who has been the council’s interim chief executive since John Mothersole retired after 11 years at the helm near the end of last year.

Coun Dore added: “I also want to give my heartfelt thanks to Charlie Adan. Charlie joined the council on an interim basis, during what was undoubtedly the toughest time anyone could join a large local authority. Charlie has done a fantastic job throughout the crisis.”

It is not yet known if Ms Adan will continue as interim chief executive until Ms Josephs starts.