Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has named its new Chief Executive.

Tom Shardlow has been appointed following a rigorous recruitment process that started earlier this year.

Tom has served as Deputy Chief Executive at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council since being previously appointed Director in June 2021.

The appointment follows the announcement that current Chief Executive Brent Davis will take early retirement at the end of May.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is a small local authority that has a big impact on the area it serves.

Nuneaton is Warwickshire’s largest town, and along with Bedworth, the Borough Council cares for two important town centres in one of the largest economic areas in the county.

The Borough Council has confirmed an underspend this year despite projecting a £4 million budget deficit as recently as December 2023.

A £50 million-plus capital programme has been set for next year as part of an ambitious regeneration strategy to revitalise leisure and town centre facilities in the Borough within the next five years.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council Leader, Cllr Kris Wilson, said:

“This administration is changing the face of this local authority.

“We believe there is no-one better to lead that process of change within the organisation at this point in time.

“In the relatively short time he has been with us, Tom has brought a fresh outlook and an understanding of the changing environment in which government works on behalf of people.

“It was a tough field of candidates that we interviewed, with a total of 17 applications for the post showing how sought after we are and the potential that applicants see in us.

“But out of all the candidates, Tom emerged as the strongest in a very competitive race.

“We were impressed by the vision he brought into this role and believe he is certainly the best person to build on our successes and take this organisation forward.”

Tom said:

“There's no better job in the public sector than being the Chief Executive of a local authority, and there's no better place to do it than Nuneaton and Bedworth.

“It's a great honour to be given this opportunity.

“I've been part of the regeneration and transformation of the borough over the last few years as a Director and Deputy Chief Executive, and I'm very much looking forward to continuing this work as Chief Executive.”

He will officially take up his new post on 1 June 2024.

Published: 23 February 2024