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New director appointed for Infrastructure Services

Aberdeenshire Council has appointed a new director for its Infrastructure Service, following the resignation of current director Iain Gabriel.

Stephen Archer is currently Strategic Director at Waveney and Suffolk Coastal District Council and has been in that post for six years.

Mr Archer, 50, is originally from Montrose and is looking forward to returning to the north-east with his wife and teenage son and daughter.

His current post is in the integrated senior management team of two district councils, having started his career as an environmental health officer before spending time in planning, roads and transportation.

His first job was with Ipswich Borough Council and he went on to work with other English authorities, including Bracknell.

As a member of Aberdeenshire Council’s Strategic Management Team he will provide entrepreneurial leadership vision and strategic direction to the council and its Infrastructure Service.

Functions of the service include: economic development, planning and building standards, property and facilities management, protective services and waste management, roads and landscape services, transportation and support services.

“One of the exciting things is there are services under this role which I have not managed before, but that’s part of the challenge, to pick up new things, new ideas and to meet new people,” he said on his appointment.

“This is a big step forward for me and I’m ready for it – this is a really positive move for my family and I.

“There’s a lot to get to grips with over the coming months, but it’s a challenge I relish.

“We have to deliver for councillors and the communities of Aberdeenshire because there are some significant issues that we need to deal with.”

He described the move to Aberdeenshire as a “fantastic opportunity” and is excited about discovering the area and its needs.

He is keen on birdwatching, cycling, hillwalking and the outdoors and feels he’ll be able to fit right into life in Aberdeenshire.

Appointments Committee chairwoman Cllr Anne Robertson added: “Our congratulations go to Stephen on his success and we look forward to further development of the service under his leadership.

“I’m sure he will fit right in to team Aberdeenshire and find living here in this beautiful part of the world a rewarding experience for him and his family.”

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