THE second-in-command of the Royal Borough will leave the council for a top position at a nearby local authority.

Russell O’Keefe, the deputy managing director and executive director of place at the Royal Borough, will take the reins of chief executive of Basingstoke and Deane Council in January.

Councillors at Basingstoke approved Mr O’Keefe’s appointment at a full council meeting on October 16 following a “rigorous” selection process.

Russell has been with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) since 2016 where he had been the acting managing director for an interim period from October 2018 to February 2019.

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Mr O’Keefe also held an executive position at Norwich City Council and a duel role as interim director at Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

He said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be appointed as the chief executive of Basingstoke and Deane Council.

“I’m really looking forward to joining the council and working closely with the leader, councillors, staff, and partner organisations to continue to support communities through the impacts of Covid-19, deliver the very best services for residents and businesses and ensure the borough continues to thrive in the future.”

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Reacting to the news, councillor Ross McWilliams (Conservative: Cox Green), lead member for housing, said: “Russell and I have worked together closely over the years and his professionalism and leadership have been a key part of some big service transformation.

“RBWM’s loss is Basingstoke’s gain.”

The deputy leader of RBWM, councillor Samantha Rayner (Conservative: Eton and Castle), said: “Congratulations to Russell O’Keefe on this appointment.

“He has contributed hugely to RBWM particularly in the property portfolio and the transformation of Maidenhead through development.”