Dudley Council’s deputy chief executive and strategic director for people, Tony Oakman, will be leaving the authority at the end of January to become chief executive of Bolton Council.

Tony joined the authority in March 2015 as strategic director for people. He has overseen the transformation of children and adult services, working to develop even closer ties with partner organisations and community groups across the borough to make residents’ lives better. Tony said:

“I’ve loved working for Dudley Council and, while I’m obviously delighted to be taking on this new role at Bolton, I’ll be sad to leave the authority. I’m extremely proud of what we're achieving here in Dudley and I’m proud to be leaving the authority in a better place.

“There are fantastically committed people working to improve the lives of people of all ages across the borough and I’m confident the directorate is in a strong position to continue to do what it does best, deliver great services to residents.”

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:

“Tony has made a huge contribution to the authority, leading our People Directorate through some extremely challenging times. His commitment to improving the lives of young people in the borough has seen our children’s services making positive progress.

“Despite the pressures on the social care system experienced by all authorities across the country, he has worked hard to develop even closer ties to partner organisations and with the community to make people’s lives better.

“Tony has made a big contribution to moving the council forward and delivering more efficient and effective services and we wish him all the best in his new role.”

Tony will be leaving the authority at the end of January. The authority will be making arrangements to replace him in due course.