Press Release
3rd September 2012
New Chief Executive for Shetland Islands Council
The Council today confirmed the appointment of Mark Boden, the former Corporate Director of Wiltshire Council, to the post of Chief Executive of Shetland Islands Council.
Mark, whose professional background is as a lawyer, has a long career in local government, including ten years as Chief Executive at Kennet District Council in Devizes, Wiltshire, before he was part of the team that successfully created the new unitary Wiltshire County Council.
Kennet District Council also had an independent political environment and a sparsely populated rural area. Mark has a wealth of experience in performance management, delivering efficiencies, continuous improvement and community engagement.
Mark will be moving to Shetland with his wife Angela, and says he considers his new post as an exciting opportunity in a unique, attractive and interesting place. It is hoped that Mr Boden will take up his new role at the beginning of October.
Outside work, Mark’s interests include hillwalking and history. He has served 28 years in the Territorial Army and was for six years a Commandant in the Army Cadet Force. He is involved in voluntary youth work and is a trustee of two service charities.
Gary Robinson, SIC Political Leader and Appointments Panel Chair: “Mark Boden impressed the panel with his experience, knowledge and passion for Shetland. He combines experience and innovation, and has extensive experience which will enable the Council to keep on track to deliver its ambitious plans.”
Convener Malcolm Bell: “This is a key appointment for the Council, and I am confident Mark Boden will provide the leadership, at officer level, necessary to build on the work started by Alistair Buchan. We have some difficult years ahead, and I am delighted we have been able to attract someone of Mark’s calibre.”
ENDS.