INVERCLYDE Council has appointed Aubrey Fawcett as its new chief executive.

The local authority’s current director of environment, regeneration and resources will take over the top job from John Mundell when he retires next month after a decade in charge.

The appointment was made last night after three candidates – including two senior female officials from other Scottish councils – were interviewed.

Councillors agreed that Mr Fawcett is the best person for the £117,000 a year post.

Elected members failed to reach an agreement in June when Mr Fawcett was in the final two candidates,  along with former police deputy chief constable Neil Richardson.

Mr Fawcett said: “I am delighted to be appointed chief executive of Inverclyde Council.

“While it has taken two attempts at recruitment, it is right that councillors have confidence around the appointment of this important role.

“I hope the resilience over the past few weeks stands me in good stead for what is required to lead one of Scotland’s 32 local authorities.

“I know already that there is a very good team behind me at Inverclyde Council and I look forward to working with them in a new role as chief executive.

“John Mundell leaves some big shoes to fill. I have worked with John since 2006 and, while I am looking forward to this new challenge I will be calling on his good counsel to ensure a smooth transition.”

The new council boss is also the current chief executive of regeneration body Riverside Inverclyde (RI), a post he has held for three years.

He has been a corporate director at the local authority for the last decade and prior to that he was head of regeneration at North Tyneside Council from 2004.

Mr Fawcett is a former part-time infantry private in the Army and was awarded the Gallantry Service Medal for active service.

He has worked in local authorities across Scotland and England and is a qualified architect.

Council leader Stephen McCabe said: “Aubrey knows Inverclyde like the back of his hand.

“He is more than qualified to take on the role of chief executive and has a proven track record of delivering for Inverclyde Council and for Riverside Inverclyde. Among his many achievements, has been galvanising the team at RI and he has been at the forefront of bringing the Glasgow City Region City Deal investment to Inverclyde.

“Local government is going through tough times and increasing financial and service pressure.  The task for Aubrey is to weather the stormy times ahead and to seize every opportunity to make sure public services in Inverclyde continue to deliver excellence for the people who matter, our residents.”