Chief executive, directors and services

Government intervention

On Friday 2 September 2022, the government appointed Essex County Council to support us with the financial challenges we face. This intervention is in response to concerns about levels of financial risk and debt. Go to Government intervention into Thurrock Council.

Chief executive and Directors' Board

The chief executive is the most senior officer of the council, appointed by councillors to be the 'head of paid service'. Corporate Directors and Directors are officers who report directly to the chief executive. Their areas of responsibility are shown in our organisation structure chart.

Following the Government intervention at Thurrock Council, Dr Dave Smith has been appointed as independent Managing Director Commissioner fulfilling the role of a Chief Executive.

The Managing Director Commissioner is responsible for day-to-day operations of the council and will provide strategic direction and leadership, until such time as a permanent appointment to the vacant post of Chief Executive can be made.

Chief executive

The chief executive is responsible for:

  • managing the council's employees, services and work
  • setting important directions for the council
  • making sure the decisions councillors make are carried out

Directors' Board

Directors' Board is responsible for:

  • checking performance across the council
  • delivering the government's initiatives and policies
  • supporting managers and staff to develop and deliver services
  • working with other organisations

Directors' Board membership

Person Role
Dr Dave Smith Managing Director Commissioner
Ian Wake Corporate Director of Adults, Housing and Health
Sheila Murphy Corporate Director of Children's Services
Jonathan Wilson Interim Director of Finance, and Section 151 Officer
Jackie Hinchliffe Director of Human Resources, Organisational Development and Transformation
Asmat Hussain Interim Director of Legal and Governance, and Monitoring Officer
Mark Bradbury Interim Director of Place
Jo Broadbent Director of Public Health
Julie Nelder Acting Director of Public Realm
Karen Wheeler Director of Strategy, Engagement and Growth
Gareth Moss Interim Chief Financial Officer
Kerry Thomas Chief Executive's Business Manager
Luke Tyson Delivery and Strategy Manager

We publish a list of senior managers' salaries.