Devon County Council’s new Chief Executive welcomed to the city

Published: 17 February 2023

Devon County Council’s new Chief Executive has been welcomed to the city by leaders of the City Council.

Devon announced in December that Donna Manson has been appointed to replace Dr Phil Norrey as its Chief Executive.

Donna has been Chief Executive of Scotland’s largest rural authority, the Highland Council, since 2018. Her background is in education and children’s services in three Scottish councils, having started her career in teaching.

She took up her new position on Friday 17 February.

Bindu Arjoon, Exeter City Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: “The City Council has a close working relationship with Devon County Council and I know that this will continue in the future.

“Having recently met Donna, I know that she shares the same passion and enthusiasm for Devon and its capital city that we do.

“I want to welcome her to the county and to her new role, and I look forward to working closely with her in the future.”

Exeter City Council Leader Cllr Phil Bialyk said: “Devon is the authority responsible for key services in Exeter including transport, social care and education, and it is so important that we work in partnership with them.

“I would like to wish Donna all the very best in her new job and I very much look forward to working with her and her team at the County Council in the future.”