Christine Marshall, who began her career as a junior clerk with Peterborough City Council 40 years ago, has been appointed to the role of Executive Director for Corporate Services and Section 151 Officer at tonight’s Full Council meeting (Wednesday 4 December).
Christine, who is currently Deputy Chief Executive and Section 151 Officer for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, will join the council in March 2025.
She will lead the council’s finances as Section 151 Officer, and will also hold responsibility for audit, commercial property and asset management, procurement, communications, revenue and benefits, health and safety, IT and digital, performance management, risk, transformation and HR.
Chief Executive, Matt Gladstone, said: “Christine’s proven track record and experience in local government finance and leadership roles impressed during the interview process and the decision by Employment Committee to appoint her was unanimous.
“At a time when councils are facing one of the most difficult financial periods in history, it is vital that we have someone of the highest calibre in this role and I look forward to working with Christine. It’s also positive that she was able to demonstrate such a close connection to Peterborough and therefore a real passion for improving and enhancing the city.”
Christine qualified with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) in 1994 and then went on to hold accountancy positions for two London Boroughs. Since then, she has gained a vast amount of knowledge and experience working in a number of senior finance roles, including strategic and executive director positions. She has significant experience of managing complex financial portfolios and overseeing substantial transformation and change programmes.
Christine said: “I am truly delighted to be joining Peterborough City Council. I have a real personal connection with the city, having lived here for most of my life and started my career with the city council as a junior clerk 40 years ago. It’s the place I call home, as it is to many of my family and friends, and therefore it is a privilege that I will be able to play a key role in shaping the future direction of the city.
“I look forward to starting with the council in March and playing a leading role in getting the council onto a stable financial footing.”
Six candidates were shortlisted for the role and four went forward for interview. Three candidates, all serving Section 151 officers, were then interviewed by the council’s Employment Committee on Monday (2 December).
Cecilie Booth, the council’s current Executive Director for Corporate Services and Section 151 Officer, will remain in post to ensure a smooth handover with her replacement.