Russell Williams is the new interim Chief Executive of Ipswich Borough Council.
 
He will step into the role after the sudden death last month of James Hehir.
 
Russell is 37 and for the past year has been a Director based at the Council's Grafton House HQ. He is a town planner who has been employed at the Council since 1995. Prior to becoming a Director he worked as the Council's Head of Planning, Transport & Regeneration after three years leading the Strategic Planning & Regeneration department and a spell as a development control planning officer.

Russell was born in Surrey, lived in Southampton for a time and then moved to Cardiff, where he also attended university. He and his wife Paula, a part-time teacher and former Head of Music at Thurleston High School, live in the town with their two young children.
 
He is a member of Ipswich Hockey Club and a keen Wales supporting sports fan. In his spare time he enjoys playing hockey and taking his family on walks down to the Waterfront for "coffee and a cake" as well as to various play areas in the town's many parks.
 
Russell said today: "Obviously this is a time of very mixed emotions. If my appointment is ratified I will be very honoured to be asked to do this important job. I know I am fortunate to inherit a great team here at the Council and I am sure they will give me a lot of support. Like many others at IBC I was, and still am, deeply shocked and saddened by James Hehir's recent untimely death. James was a wonderful boss, a lovely guy and a quite brilliant promoter of all things Ipswich. Over the coming weeks and months I will do my very best to help steer the Council through the challenges that lie ahead."

Council Leader Liz Harsant said: "Russell was the unanimous choice from all three party representatives on the interview panel. Now that choice goes forward for approval by all Councillors tonight. This has been a very difficult few weeks for everyone concerned with the Council but we have to go forward. Russell will, I am sure, serve both the Council and the people of Ipswich well over the coming months."