A new chief executive has been appointed to lead a Cumbrian council.
Miranda Cannon will replace Sam Plum in the role at Westmorland & Furness Council.
Her appointment was formally agreed by Westmorland and Furness Council at its full council meeting today, October 9.
She is currently executive director of resources and transformation at Salford Council.
Westmorland & Furness Council said: “She is a highly skilled, experienced and innovative strategic leader and is currently leading the council’s transformation programme which is delivering a focus on prevention and early intervention.
“She is also currently leading on key organisational projects focused on improving systems and introducing AI to help deliver significant savings and help the organisation work in new ways.”
She has worked in two large, mature, unitary councils and alongside the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
She said: “I am very excited to be joining Westmorland and Furness Council as the new chief executive and to be in a position to help take the council on the next phase of its exciting journey in delivering the future ambitions for this fantastic place.
“Westmorland and Furness is at a pivotal point in time and I am confident that with my experience and drive, and the support of the already excellent leadership team along with the passion and commitment of elected members, staff and partners, we can together really move the council forward in delivering its future ambitions.
“I genuinely feel that I am a great fit for Westmorland and Furness. I share its values and its ambitions, and my breadth of experience will really complement the big challenges it has ahead including devolution, transformation and delivering great outcomes for residents, businesses and communities.
“I also have a strong personal connection to the area and already live near to Westmorland and Furness in a community where I grew up. I feel very privileged to now be able to use my skills and experience to improve an already amazing area, delivering meaningful change for residents and helping the council achieve its vision of making Westmorland and Furness a great place to live, work and thrive.”
Jonathan Brook, leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “I’m delighted with this appointment, and I am looking forward to working closely with Miranda on the next step of our exciting unitary journey.
“Miranda brings with her a range of skills that make her an ideal chief executive for Westmorland and Furness at this key junction. Especially given our ambition to fast-track further improvement, while finding significant savings. I am genuinely looking forward to working with Miranda as we lead and support our organisation together to deliver great things.”
Cllr Hilary Carrick, leader of the Conservative Group, added: “Having had the pleasure of meeting Miranda I can confirm that she is clearly a skilled and experienced leader who shares our high aspirations for our area. She is also very grounded, and she brings with her the skills we need now and for the future.”
Cllr Derek Brook, leader of the Labour Group, added: “Miranda was a standout candidate. The breadth of her experience across so many different service areas really makes her ideal for us as a relatively new unitary. We are still just over two years old and we need someone who has the experience to help us move forward and deliver change alongside quality outcomes and I genuinely look forward to working with her in the near future.”
