DUNCAN Sharkey has been confirmed as the Royal Borough's new Managing Director.

His appointment was announced in December but was ratified at a full meeting of the council yesterday, following a recommendation from the Employment Panel in December. He will be starting at the council on Monday, February 4.

Councillor Simon Dudley, Leader of the council, says: “I’m delighted that Duncan will be joining us shortly. He has over 25 years’ experience in central and local government and in his previous role he was responsible for a range of services including regeneration, community safety, housing and waste.

“He will be a huge asset to the Royal Borough and help us deliver a range of front line services for our council as well as ensuring we continue to deliver a balanced budget, focus on performance and ensure we monitor the range of commissioned services including adults, children’s and highways.

He thanked Russell O'Keefe for his work after he took on the role temporarily, saying he had done a fantastic job.

Mr Sharkey said: "I am looking forward to meeting the councillors, our communities and the hard working team of officers and partners who deliver services to the residents of the borough."