Current Care Inspectorate chief executive, Karen Reid, has been announced as the new chief executive of Perth & Kinross Council, taking over from Bernadette Malone who will retire on July 1.

Following a robust appointment process, the five-member chief executive appointment sub-committee held final interviews on May 22.

Councillor Murray Lyle, council leader and convenor of the appointment sub-committee, said: “I am delighted that Karen has accepted the position as our chief executive – she will be an excellent leader and will help build on our successes as an ambitious and high performing council at an exciting time of development and growth in Perth and Kinross. Karen has held a number of senior roles in the public and voluntary sector. She is an inspirational, values led leader who is committed to partnership working that puts people and communities at the heart of every decision.”

Karen said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Perth & Kinross Council, one of the leading local authorities in Scotland. I am particularly looking forward to working with citizens across local communities, a high performing team of staff across the organisation, and elected members. I know that together we can continue to deliver high quality services which have a real impact on the people who most need them across Perth and Kinross.”