New senior member of staff appointed to Isle of Wight Council

Colin Rowland is the new permanent director of neighbourhoods and will look after a host of services, including waste, highways and 1Leisure.

Colin has worked in senior roles at a number of other local authorities including Basingstoke and Deane, as interim director of Borough Services, Southampton, and Hampshire. He was also head of environmental services at Havant Council.

In his role, Mr Rowland will work to improve both the council’s commercial service contracts and increase commercial activity and income generation.

Mr Rowland replaces interim director of neighbourhoods, Trevor Pugh, who has held the role for the previous six months

Mr Rowland said, “I am really excited about taking on this role involving a group of high profile universal services that have a significant impact on the quality of life and the economy of the Island. My aim will be to support staff in further improving the efficiency and effectiveness of these services for the benefit of the Island’s residents and visitors.”

Chief executive of the Isle of Wight Council, John Metcalfe, said: “Our neighbourhood services are the more visible and commercial side of council life, covering parks and open spaces, regulatory services and waste services to name but a few. I would like to thank Mr Pugh for the leadership he brought to the interim role and welcome Colin to his new role and I am sure he will further build on the strong foundation in place.”