Paul is expected to take up the role in the summer, following a comprehensive national recruitment process and a competitive field of candidates.

Paul previously served as Chief Executive of Wirral Council from 2019 to October 2025. He joined the authority in 2017 as its transformation director (later Corporate Director for Business Management) before becoming the council’s most senior officer. A graduate of the University of Wolverhampton, he built his expertise in human resources, organisational development and change through senior roles spanning both the public and private sectors. In June 2013, he joined the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) as Director of Organisational Development and HR (later titled Director of Organisational Development and Strategy), marking his entry into high-level civil service leadership. He became Deputy Chief Executive and serving as Interim Chief Executive from October 2015 to March 2016.

Councillor Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council, said:

“I am delighted that Council has approved the appointment of Paul as our new Chief Executive. In a rigorous recruitment process, we wanted to find an exceptional candidate that brought the experience, skills and values we wanted for this important time for the council. The employment panel, comprised of members from different political groups, recognised Paul’s outstanding experience and felt he would be a real asset to the council, especially as we further modernise services and find the best devolution arrangements for Herefordshire. I look forward to working with our new Chief Executive as they drive the operational delivery of the Council Plan to support residents and businesses across the county.”

Speaking on his appointment being approved, Paul Satoor said:

“I am thrilled to be joining Herefordshire Council as its next Chief Executive. It is clear to me that the council and the county have much to be proud of - and much to look forward to. It is a place of outstanding natural beauty and rich history, and enormous potential and opportunity. I will be joining at a time of continual improvement in the council and I am keen to maintain that momentum and help take it to the next stage of its journey. I look forward to working with the Leader, Cabinet, members, staff and stakeholders to deliver outstanding public services while supporting the most vulnerable in society in Herefordshire.

The council undertook a thorough search to identify a new Chief Executive with a strong track record of senior leadership in complex organisations, the ability to lead financial and service transformation, and a clear commitment to public service, partnership working and strong governance. Following a series of interviews, including with local stakeholders, staff and ultimately with a cross-party employment panel of council members, the appointment was formally approved by Full Council today (1 May).

Once routine pre-employment checks have been completed, Paul is expected to start the role in the summer, replacing Paul Walker, who announced his departure from Herefordshire last September, after five years’ service. Paul remains as chief executive until the end of June.

Cllr Lester added,

“I would also like to restate my sincere thanks to Paul Walker for his outstanding tenure as chief executive over the last five years, and for the significant improvements he brought about, especially in children’s services, financial management and partnership working. This progress has been rightly recognised by the likes of Ofsted and our peers in local government, with the latter describing Herefordshire as a good council, striving to improve further. Ever since joining us at a challenging time in the middle of the pandemic, Paul always acted with professionalism, integrity and a strong focus on public service, and in doing so leaves the council in a far stronger place than when he first arrived.”