Halton Borough Council has announced today that Chief Executive, Stephen Young, is to step down from his post to take up a new position as Chief Executive with Salford City Council.*
Stephen Young joined the Council in April 2022 having previously held roles as Executive Director of Growth, Environment, Transportation and Community Services at Lancashire County Council.
Commenting on Stephen Young’s departure, Cllr Mike Wharton, the Leader of Halton Borough Council, said:
“I’d like to express my sincere thanks to Stephen for the work he has done over the past three years as our Chief Executive.
“Under his leadership, we have seen the shape of the organisation change, improvements made to our children’s services, the continuation of our ambitious programme of regeneration and the start of a journey to transform services to deliver better outcomes for the community of Halton.
“On a personal note, I would also like to wish Stephen well in his new role with Salford City Council. I know that he will do a great job and approach the new challenge with the same energy and resolve he has shown during his time with Halton.”
Cllr Wharton continued:
“While Stephen will be greatly missed by all of us in Halton, the Council must also now look to the future.
“Stephen will remain in his post for several more months, but work will now begin to start the process of selecting a new Chief Executive and to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements.”
Talking about his decision to step down, Stephen Young said:
“The decision to leave Halton has not been an easy one.
“My decision was not based on me wanting to walk away from something, nor was it in any way connected to current challenging financial position.
“Instead, it was about seizing an exceptional career opportunity that felt right for me and my family at this time.
“I will leave Halton with many fond memories and having learned so much from my three years as Chief Executive.
“It really has been a privilege to work alongside Cllr Mike Wharton, Halton’s elected members, the many partners across the borough, the Liverpool City Region and in Cheshire and Warrington, to progress the Council’s vision and priorities for Halton.
“I must also thank all the amazing staff who work for the Council. They are the heart of Halton Borough Council and are working tirelessly, in a challenging environment, to deliver for the community in Halton.
Ends.
*Salford City Council will officially ratify Stephen Young’s appointment at a special meeting of the full council on Wednesday 30 April