Dr Deborah Smart will join as executive director of corporate services and Derek McGowan as service director housing and homelessness.

Deborah is joining from Dorset Council where she is currently corporate director with responsibility for digital; strategic change and delivery; policy, insight and risk; organisational development; learning and development; well-being and the Dorset Shared Care Record (joint with NHS).

Derek McGowan is currently the chief officer early intervention and community empowerment at Aberdeen City Council.

Council leader Cammy Day said: “I was pleased that Deborah and Derek’s appointment was backed by councillors today. I’m confident that they will both add great value to the our team and look forward to working closely with them to deliver on our strategic priorities.”

Dr Smart said: “I am thrilled to be taking on this role. Edinburgh is my home and I am so excited to be moving back. I look forward to working closely with my new colleagues, members and partners bringing my experience and expertise to deliver on our ambitions for the city.”

Derek McGowan added: “I am delighted to be coming back to Edinburgh in this role, and I am looking forward to working with new colleagues on preventing homelessness in the city. The provision of quality housing is a key public health priority, and my focus will be on achieving this for current and future tenants.”