Highland Council Appoints New Depute Chief Executive

1st November 2017

Following the decision of a Member recruitment panel today, Derek Yule has been appointed to the role of Depute Chief Executive which he will undertake alongside his new role of Director of Corporate Resources. Highland council have taken the opportunity to further reduce management level staff by combining two roles to make further savings.

Leader of the Highland Council, Margaret Davidson said: "Derek has always provided sterling advice and has a calm and reflective approach. Derek will make an excellent Depute and I really pleased, on behalf of Members, to congratulate him on his appointment to this very important role."

Chief Executive Steve Barron said: "Derek brings a wealth of experience to the depute role. He has served The Highland Council for 6 years as a very talented Director of Finance and, in such challenging financial times, we are extremely privileged to have a Director of such high calibre working in such an important role. I am sure everyone will join with me to congratulate Derek and welcome him to this key position in the Council."

Prior to his time with Highland Council, Derek has worked for over 10 years in senior roles in local authorities in Scotland.

Derek Yule said: "I am delighted to be appointed as Depute Chief Executive and look forward to working with colleagues and members in this capacity."

The Depute role became vacant with the departure Michelle Morris, in September. While it is the case that not all Councils in Scotland appoint to a depute post, this arrangement has worked well for Highland in the past, recognising the geographical challenges and addressing Members' expectations of resilience in leadership and advisory roles. In the current context of heightened security risks it was agreed by Council that this arrangement should continue and that one of the 4 Directors be appointed.