North Lanarkshire Council has appointed Des Murray as its new chief executive.

Mr Murray, who is currently assistant chief executive for enterprise and housing at the council, will take over from current chief executive Paul Jukes, who will retire later this year.

Des Murray said: “It is a huge privilege to work for a council with the ambitions of North Lanarkshire, and I am immensely excited about the prospect of leading the organisation for the benefit of the communities we serve. We face some big challenges but we also have big opportunities to deliver for the people of North Lanarkshire.

“I am from North Lanarkshire and I have a deep affinity with this great place. It’s essential we continue to make North Lanarkshire a place where people can live, work, learn, invest and visit, and where we continue to tackle poverty and inequality.

“I would like to pay tribute to Paul Jukes, who has brought about really significant change in his time as chief executive and has been an enormous support and inspiration to me.”

Mr Murray (46) joined the council in 2011 as a senior officer in housing, before becoming head of housing property and then assistant chief executive. He had previously worked for Strathclyde Regional Council and South Lanarkshire Council. He is married with one child and lives in North Lanarkshire.

Councillor Jim Logue, leader of North Lanarkshire Council and the chair of the selection panel, said: “We had some outstanding candidates, which reflects the size of this job and our ambitions for North Lanarkshire. Throughout the process, Des impressed us with a clear idea of his vision for how to lead our 14,000 staff and how to deliver on the ambitions we have set out.

“Although Paul Jukes is a hard act to follow, I have no doubt that Des will do a tremendous job and I very much look forward to working closely with him.”

Paul Jukes added: “Des is an outstanding officer and public servant, and I am delighted that he will succeed me as chief executive. He has played a key part in the recent changes to the way the council operates and has a clear vision, drive and determination. I am confident that the organisation is in excellent hands.”