HEREFORDSHIRE Council has appointed Paul Satoor as its new chief executive and head of paid service, subject to final routine pre-employment checks.

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

Councillor Jonathan Lester, leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “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 recognised Mr Satoor’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.”

Mr Satoor’s previous roles included being director of organisational development and human Resources at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency before making his entry into high-level civil service leadership. He served as chief executive of Wirral Council between 2019 to October 2025, having joined the authority in 2017 as its transformation director.

Speaking on his appointment Mr Satoor said: “It is clear to me that the council and the county have much to be proud of.

“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.”

Mr Satoor’s appointment was approved at a closed meeting of county councillors.

Paul Walker, the authority’s current chief executive, announced his intention to step away from Herefordshire Council’s top job last September, will now stay on until the end of June.

Cllr Lester paid tribute to Mr Walker’s achievements with the authority over the last five years and highlighted his significant improvements he made especially in children’s services, financial management and partnership working.