New Chief Executive appointed for West Berkshire Council

The position was formally approved at Extraordinary Council on Thursday 1 May, with Joseph accepting the role.

Joseph is currently the interim Chief Executive following the departure of the previous Chief Executive, who stepped down from the role in November 2024. Joseph first joined West Berkshire Council in 2008 as Chief Accountant before moving on to senior roles at Slough Borough Council and Winchester City Council.

He later returned to West Berkshire Council in 2019 to the Executive Director role, which has included overseeing the Council's financial performance during a period when local authorities have been under significant financial pressures, delivering the launch of the UK's first climate bond, and leading a range of services across the Council.

West Berkshire Council is confident that Joseph Holmes will lead the council to new heights during this period of change.

Cllr Jeff Brooks, Leader of West Berkshire Council, said of the appointment:

"I am extremely pleased to welcome Joseph as Chief Executive. I have known Joseph since he joined the Council in 2008 and after returning in 2019 and have worked closely with him over the last few months. He has excelled in every role he has undertaken at West Berkshire, and I have witnessed his passion for the local area; I know he will continue to deliver for all our residents. Joseph's vision and leadership will be crucial in driving our strategic initiatives and our transformation as a Council that is Customer focussed and has integrity and fairness at the front and centre of everything we do."

Of his appointment, Joseph Holmes said:

"I am honoured to be appointed Chief Executive of West Berkshire Council, and I am thrilled to be working to help the area I call home. We have some challenging and exciting times ahead of us with significant Government reform, Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation, and ensuring our services can be as strong as possible, and I am thrilled the be at the helm of it."

Joseph will begin his role as Chief Executive from Friday 2 May.