City of York Council has today selected its new chief executive from an extremely strong field of applicants.

Bill McCarthy, 44,  is to take over the reins when the council's current chief executive, David Atkinson, retires.

He will join the council from the Department of Health where he has worked as Director General for the past two years.

The council's director of people and improvement, Heather Rice, said: "We are delighted to confirm that, following a very intensive and thorough selection process, Bill has been appointed. We very much look forward to him joining the council and working together to serve the people of York."

Mr McCarthy said: "I am delighted to have been appointed and am really looking forward to joining the council and working on behalf of the people of York in the future."

ENDS