Bolton Council has a new Chief Executive.
Forty seven year old Paul Najsarek, who has been working as Acting Chief Executive, has worked as a Director at Harrow Council since 2004 with experience in delivering and improving adult social care, community and health and wellbeing outcomes. He has a strong track record of partnership working nationally and within London; of delivering major regeneration programmes, strengthening the voluntary and community sector and working with the police to make Harrow now the safest borough in London.
Paul, who originally hails for Chorlton, attended St Thomas Aquinas school, Xaverian College and later the University of Liverpool where he studied politics and philosophy.
His mother was one of nine children who grew up in Salford and met his father when he and his family moved to the UK from Poland after the Second World War.
After university Mr Najsarek worked for a number of months in Washington for senior congressman Richard Gephardt, who ran to be the Democrat candidate for President of the USA twice.
Returning to the UK, he entered local government and has held positions in numerous different departments including adult and children social services, housing, public health and community services covering libraries, arts and leisure.
While at Harrow, he was caught in the middle of the controversy when the incoming Conservattive administration scrapped the role of chief executive only for the Labour Administration to reinstate it.He also oversaw £70m in council spending cuts during his time there.
Paul’s talents, says the council, will be key to delivering the council’s transformation programme and budget strategy. His experience will ensure that Bolton continues to play a strong role in the Greater Manchester City Region and to get the most for the town from devolution. Paul will also be focusing on delivering major regeneration projects in Bolton that will help secure greater economic prosperity and growth for the future, including the Logistics North and Rivington Chase developments.
Councillor Cliff Morris, Leader of Bolton Council said: “Paul is an excellent candidate for the job and brings to it more than 20 years’ experience in local and central government.
“He will be a great asset to the council at a time when we have to make significant savings, transform services and maintain community outcomes despite reducing resources. He is a first class officer who shares our values and understands the challenges that face us. I have no doubt he will be an outstanding Chief Executive.”
Paul said: “’I’m excited and honoured to get the chance to work in Bolton. I was born and brought up in the North West and feel like I’m coming back to my roots. Undoubtedly Bolton has a challenging two years ahead, but I am passionate about the opportunity to drive the regeneration of the borough and improve life chances for local people.”
Paul is expected to take up the post in late May 2015. Margaret Asquith, Director of Children’s and Adult Services, will be Acting Chief Executive in the interim.
