Jess Gibbons has been named the new Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council, with her tenure set to begin on Monday, 18 March. The decision was confirmed on Thursday, 14 December, during a Full Council meeting.
Gibbons previously held the position of Chief Operations Officer at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council since December 2021, overseeing a range of operational services including environment, infrastructure, regeneration, customer service, arts, property, planning, destination, and commercial operations.
Her prior roles include serving as the Director for Communities and Neighbourhoods at Wiltshire Council, and as the Director of Community Services at the London Borough of Camden.
Jess said: “I’m delighted to be appointed to such a fantastic role in one of the most dynamic, creative and innovative cities in the country.
“I will bring all my knowledge and experience of working across the private, voluntary and local government sectors and am very much looking forward to starting in March.”
Jess added: “These are crucial times for the council, and local government in general.
“But I can assure everyone connected with the city that I’m a strong, determined and hard-working individual who thrives on challenges and will drive forward the council’s plan to be a proud, healthy, fair and inclusive city for everyone.”
Jess currently lives in Wiltshire but will be moving to Brighton & Hove as soon as possible.
Will Tuckley, the council’s current interim Chief Executive, was recruited to replace Geoff Raw who left in May 2023.
Will assisted the council in the Chief Executive recruitment process and will ensure a smooth handover with Jess when she joins in March.
