An executive who has overseen some of the biggest transport changes in the county has been announced as the temporary replacement for the county council’s chief executive, who retires next month.

Neil Gibson, currently managing director for the Transport Economy Environment Business Unit, will step into the shoes of Chris Williams, who has announced his departure from the top job he has held for 15 years.

He will step into the role on April 1, until a permanent appointment is made later in the year.

Mr Gibson has been part of the council’s senior management team since 2004, when he was appointed strategic director for planning and transport.

He is currently helping to deliver East-West Rail and working on the England's Economic Heartland council partnership.

The 57-year-old started his career at King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council in 1982, when he joined as a town planner.

Leader of the Council Martin Tett said it was important to appoint an interim chief executive, particularly during such testing times for the council, which announced it was heading for a £6m overspend on this year’s budget.

Council members say he will bring a wealth of management experience as well as in-depth knowledge of the county and its issues.

Amongst his other roles, Mr Gibson is also a non-executive director of a development company, Bucks Advantage. He was also the honorary treasurer and secretary for the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT).

Neil’s appointment is subject to agreement from full council on Thursday February 18.