The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed the appointment of Simon Moon as its new Strategic Director of Community Services, following a robust and competitive recruitment process.
Mr Moon will step into the role in April, taking over from Colin Rowland, who will leave the council at the end of March after 7 years of dedicated service.
Mr Moon brings more than 28 years of senior leadership experience, spanning both the public and private sector.
A civil engineer by profession, he has held senior positions at Portsmouth City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, and AtkinsRéalis, leading major infrastructure, regeneration, transport, and environmental programmes.
Wendy Perera, chief executive of the Isle of Wight Council, welcomed the appointment, saying:
“Simon brings an impressive breadth of experience and a genuine passion for public service.
“His leadership will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our work across community services, from highways and the environment to leisure and transport.
“We are delighted to welcome him to the Isle of Wight Council and look forward to the energy, vision and collaboration he will bring.”
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She also paid tribute to outgoing director Colin Rowland: “Colin has made an enormous contribution to the council and the Island over the past seven years.
“His leadership has shaped a resilient and committed directorate, and we are truly grateful for everything he has achieved.”
Mr Moon, who is married with 2 teenage daughters, said he was drawn to the role by the Island’s “vibrancy, diversity and strong sense of identity” and the unique opportunity to help shape services at a pivotal moment.
“What drew me most to this role is the council’s clear commitment to its communities and the pride people take in serving the Island,” he said.
“There is already so much strong work underway across Community Services, and I am passionate about building on that together.
“My focus will be on working closely with teams, partners and residents to strengthen the services people rely on every day and to make sure our approach continues to reflect the needs and ambitions of the Island.
“I’m really looking forward to contributing to the next chapter of this important work.”
I wonder if Mr Moon will make the move over to the Island and enjoy all that it has to offer, somehow I doubt it.
Great to see IW Council getting some mainland
brains on the scene.
Best of luck in your new position, getting ready
for devolution, the island desperately needs it.
So true. And he looks such a friendly, approachable chappie, doesn’t he?
Panick over. I have just returned from Specsavers.
Lol