A new council chief executive has been appointed in South Ayrshire with Mike Newall set to replace Eileen Howat at the helm of the local authority.
The current Depute Chief Executive and Director of Housing, Operations and Development will take over from his predecessor who is retiring after 10 years.
The experienced figure has been part of the council's top brass since 2009 when taking up a chief officer role.
Newall has fronted up Neighbourhood Services, Housing, Facilities Management, Planning, Building Standards, Community Planning and Policy and Performance during his tenure.
Prior to his time with South Ayrshire Council, he was a Development Manager with CALA (Homes) West, where he was responsible for multi-million pound development sites across the central belt of Scotland.
He will take up the new role on November 1.
Newall said: "It's a privilege to work in such a beautiful part of Scotland and an honour to be asked to lead this ambitious and forward-thinking council.
"I look forward to continuing to serve the people of South Ayrshire and delivering on the council priorities, and I will work with partners to maximise the potential of the Ayrshire Growth Deal for our communities.
"There are always going to be challenges, but I'll be keen to work with our communities and partners to explore the opportunities that South Ayrshire has to offer.
"From hosting Scotland's largest event, The International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight in September, to enjoying some of the finest golf courses in the world, as well as our award winning beaches and tourism offering, there's a lot to look forward to in South Ayrshire".
Council Leader Martin Dowey hailed the appointment, saying: "Mike will use his wealth of local authority experience to lead staff, managers and chief officers to deliver on the priorities of the Council Plan.
"This is an excellent appointment and I know Mike is dedicated and passionate about South Ayrshire and he will provide the strategic leadership that will take the organisation to the next level.
"I look forward to working with Mike as Chief Executive to deliver excellent services for the people of South Ayrshire."
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