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The new Chief Executive, formerly Monmouthshire County Council’s Chief Officer for Communities and Place, was formally appointed earlier this year.

Speaking on her first day, Monday, November 18th, 2024, she said: “Taking up the post of Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot Council is truly an honour and the greatest opportunity of my working life.

“It’s also a homecoming for me and my family. Growing up in the area, my love and passion for the people and places in this diverse county borough fills me with pride. My pride also encompasses our history, heritage, and achievements as well as our potential and ambitions for the future.

“I’d like to pay tribute to Karen Jones for the contribution and difference she has made for residents and staff over the past four years. Karen led the authority through incredibly challenging times.

“Our aim is to make this area the best it can be to bring up healthy happy families, ensure prosperity, opportunity, and respect for all. A place that we’re all proud to say we live in and we’re from.

“As a council we’ll do all we can to deliver our objectives - that children get the best start in life, all our communities are thriving, our local environment, culture and heritage can be enjoyed now and in the future and, particularly important given the changes at Tata Steel, our people are skilled and have access to high quality, green jobs.”

The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt, said: “We are glad to have Frances with us and we will now begin working with our new Chief Executive in meeting the many challenges and capitalising on the many opportunities that lie ahead for us here in Neath Port Talbot.

“I also pay tribute to the hard work and dedication shown by our former Chief Executive Karen Jones who was in post during what were very challenging times for us all. We wish Karen and her family well for the future.”