Elected members of the Council confirmed the appointment of a permanent Chief Executive at their meeting on 3 December.
This follows a recommendation made by the Council’s Appointments Committee for Andrew Donaldson to be appointed to the role, following a rigorous and competitive recruitment process.
Andrew is currently Executive Director of Communities and Neighbourhoods at Knowsley Council, a position he has held for the past five years.
Andrew brings over 35 years public sector experience, including 21 years in senior leadership roles. Andrew started his career at Wigan Council, before roles at Manchester City Council, Bolton Council and Staffordshire County Council, before his move to Knowsley.
Speaking about the appointment, Council Leader and Chair of the Appointments Committee, Cllr Mike Wharton said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Andrew is set to be confirmed as the Council’s new Chief Executive.
“It was an extremely competitive recruitment process with an impressive field of high calibre candidates.
“Our goal throughout was to find someone who really grasped our challenges and opportunities, who was ready to lead the organisation through a period of change, represent Halton strongly within the Liverpool City Region, and who shared our organisational values and ambitions for the borough.
“Across every stage, Andrew demonstrated these qualities, and I look forward to welcoming him to Halton.
“Until Andrew takes up his post, the organisation will continue under the experienced guiding hand of Richard Rout, whom I would like to thank for his commitment to the role over this interim period.”
On his appointment, Andrew Donaldson said: “Halton is a fantastic place that is full of exciting opportunities and potential and I’m very much looking forward to working with elected members, colleagues, partners and local communities to help deliver the shared ambition for this great Borough.
“Halton has a rich heritage with much that the Council can be proud of and even more to look forward to. The commitment and desire from everyone to continue the regeneration of the borough and the transformation of the Council is strong and clear and I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Council at this pivotal time”.
Andrew will succeed the current Interim Chief Executive, Richard Rout, who has held the position since the departure of the previous permanent Chief Executive, Stephen Young in August 2025.
Subject to pre-employment checks, Andrew is expected to be in post from the Spring.