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Jo has been Chief Executive at North Somerset Council for over six years and will be leaving to take up the role of Chief Executive for Gloucestershire County Council on 19 May.
Jo is no stranger to Gloucestershire County Council - it is where she started and developed her career, holding roles of Director of Finance and Corporate Services and Director of Highways, Transport and Waste before becoming Chief Executive at North Somerset Council.
With a distinguished career in public service, Jo’s leadership is characterised by a strategic vision and a commitment to delivering for residents and communities. Under Jo’s leadership, the council delivered services effectively through Covid and has made significant strides in strategic partnerships that deliver change on the ground for communities, including Metrowest rail, Banwell Bypass and levelling up funding for the Tropicana and Birnbeck Pier.
A strong advocate for collaboration, Jo has worked closely with local enterprise partnerships, the North Somerset Partnership, and the Joint Executive Committee to enhance the region’s economic and social landscape. As the Chief Executive representative for the West of England working with both the West of England Combined Authority and the Western Gateway regional partnership, Jo has secured millions of pounds in central government funding to deliver local infrastructure and housing in North Somerset.
Jo also sits on the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board and chairs the Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Health System Transformation Board. She is also the lead Chief Executive in the South West for Finance and Children’s Services, advocating and lobbying on behalf of all South West Councils with government officials and ministers.
Cllr Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council said: “Jo Walker has been instrumental to North Somerset Council in her time here and she will be sadly missed. Jo’s approach to leadership has always been inclusive and forward-thinking, prioritising transparency and open communication. Her time here at North Somerset Council is marked by a dedication to excellence and innovation and will make a lasting impact on the region’s future. We wish her all the best as she returns to Gloucestershire County Council as their new Chief Executive.”
Jo Walker said: “This has not been a decision I’ve made lightly. It’s been a privilege to serve the people of North Somerset and drive forward key initiatives which have benefitted the region’s economy, health and communities, with much more on the horizon. However, the opportunity arose for me to return to Gloucestershire and I’m looking forward to a new challenge. I’ll now work with my senior leadership team to ensure there is a smooth transition.”
A recruitment process will now begin for North Somerset Council’s new Chief Executive.