The interim head of Europe's largest local authority has been appointed to the role on a permanent basis.
Deborah Cadman joined Birmingham City Council last summer as its interim chief executive, having moved over from her post as CEO of the West Midlands Combined Authority.
At the time, the city council said the appointment would last until after this summer's Commonwealth Games which starts on July 28 but it has now announced Ms Cadman has been recruited on a permanent basis.
Ms Cadman was raised and educated in Birmingham and previously worked for the city council for seven years during her early career.
She has worked in public services for 30 years, was awarded an OBE for services to local government in 2006 and made the first permanent chief executive of the newly formed combined authority in 2017.
Her permanent appointment at the council follows recent recruitment to its corporate leadership team with Paul Kitson taking the role of director of place, prosperity and sustainability and Richard Brooks as director of strategy, equality and partnerships.
Joining them is Rebecca Hellard as director of council management and Sue Harrison as director of children and families.
Ms Cadman said: "I'm thrilled to be taking on this role permanently. This city has always been close to my heart and to be leading the team as Birmingham looks forward to the bold opportunities ahead is personally very exciting.
"We will see the eyes of the world on us in the coming weeks and it is important we not only show them how amazing this city is but also we don't lose focus on ensuring that those who live here benefit too.
"I am relishing the challenges ahead and how me and my team can make sure the legacy from the games really is the start of a golden decade for Birmingham."
The appointment will now go to full council for formal ratification which should bring to a close a turbulent period for the top job at Birmingham City Council.
The last permanent chief executive was Dawn Baxendale but she announced in summer 2019 she was leaving to relocate to New Zealand to become chief executive of Christchurch City Council after only 15 months in the role.
It was then announced in April 2020 that Chris Naylor would join the council on a 12-month contract from Barking and Dagenham and it was later reported he had applied for and secured the job permanently, only to withdraw his application.
The council's former finance chief Clive Heaphy had been carrying out the role in an interim capacity but left in March 2020 after failing to land the job permanently.
City council leader Cllr Ian Ward added: "Deborah has made a huge impact in the short time she has been with us and I'm delighted that she will be staying with us.
"Her knowledge, understanding and commitment to Birmingham will be invaluable for the years ahead. The Commonwealth Games are less than a month away and the city has a golden decade of opportunity ahead.
"Deborah has played a vital role in ensuring people and communities reap rewards while also working with partners to ensure our residents are supported during the current cost-of-living crisis. I know she is as passionate as I am about this city and its bold and bright future."
