Guildford and Waverley Councils appoint strategic directors

Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils have appointed two strategic directors to help lead the officer teams at both councils. Julian Higson has been appointed to the role of strategic director of housing, communities and environment, while Ezra Wallace has been appointed strategic director of economy, planning and place. Higson joined the councils in March this year as interim strategic director and will take up the permanent role with immediate effect. He has 30 years’ experience spanning local government, housing associations and the private sector. His previous roles at director level include Bristol City Council and a joint role at Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District Council. Wallace is currently director of policy and projects at Westminster City Council, where he led the development and adoption of a new local development plan, alongside innovative strategies and programmes to invest in high streets, help local people into employment and tackle the climate and ecological emergencies. Prior to that he had held a number of policy, strategy and delivery roles at Westminster City Council since 2010. He will take up the position in the autumn. Leader of Guildford Borough Council Julia McShane said: “The appointment of two strategic directors with such great passion and drive, further strengthens and supports our commitment to providing the best possible service to our residents and businesses.”