Barrow appointed as Brum council development director

  Mark Barrow has been appointed as Birmingham council’s new strategic director of development, to lead one of the largest planning, regeneration and development departments in Europe.   The former chief executive of Newcastle under Lyme Council replaces Clive Dutton, who quit the council in July 2009 to move to the London Borough of Newham, to work on Olympic legacy projects.   A start date for Barrow, 44, is yet to be confirmed as contracts are being signed this week.   Birmingham council leader Mike Whitby said: “Recruiting the correct person to this role was of critical importance. Mark has a clear track record in delivering challenging objectives in the public sector, whilst maintaining a strategic oversight of the challenges before him.”   Barrow will be responsible for: the delivery of the city’s regeneration, development, planning, transportation strategy and climate change functions as well as liaising with central government and the private sector to secure new models for partnership working and funding.   Barrow said: “The city’s leadership has developed an exciting vision for the future, and I believe my skills and experience will perfectly compliment those already in place to ensure this ambition can be translated into reality.”   As a representative on the Regional Economic Taskforce, Barrow led work focussing on mitigating the social impact of the current recession.   lisa.pilkington@estatesgazette.com