Westmorland and Furness Council has today announced a key senior appointment to drive transformation across the organisation.
Ben Holliday has been appointed as the council's new Chief Innovation, Technology and Digital Officer.
Ben joins the council with extensive experience spanning both the public and private sectors and a strong track record in effective leadership.
He is currently Chief Design Officer at digital transformation consultancy TPXimpact and has previously held senior roles at FutureGov and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Ben will join the council in January. This is a new leadership role for Westmorland and Furness Council, with responsibility for leading its digital, data and technology agenda, driving organisation-wide transformation, improving customer experience and helping to build a modern, innovative and resilient council.
Miranda Cannon, Chief Executive of Westmorland and Furness Council, said:
“We are delighted that after a highly competitive recruitment process, we have secured a candidate of Ben’s calibre to take on this pivotal role. His knowledge and experience will be key for us as we continue to develop as a council and move forward on our transformation journey.
“I very much look forward to Ben joining and to seeing the valuable contribution he will make to our council and for our residents and communities.”
Cllr Helen Chaffey, Cabinet Member for Communities, Customer Services, Culture and Communications, and Chair of Staffing Committee, said:
“This is a significant appointment for Westmorland and Furness Council as we continue to transform how we deliver services for our residents and communities. Ben will play a key role in helping us make the most of digital, data and technology, ensuring we are delivering services that are modern, responsive and fit for the future.
“We look forward to welcoming Ben to the organisation and working together to support our ambitions for Westmorland and Furness.”
Ben Holliday, commenting on his appointment, said:
"I'm delighted to be joining Westmorland and Furness Council and taking on this new role.
“I look forward to meeting colleagues and building on the important work of transforming how services meet the needs of our residents and communities through digital, data and technology.”