Lawyer to run Scotland's largest local authority

A qualified solicitor is to become chief executive of Glasgow City Council, Scotland's largest local authority.

Annemarie O’Donnell (49), executive director of corporate services at the council since 2011, takes up the role next month, succeeding George Black, who is retiring.

Ms O'Donnell first joined the then Glasgow District Council as a solicitor in 1991. She became chief solicitor following the formation of the present authority in 1996, and further promotions followed to assistant head of legal and administrative services, and assistant director and head of external governance. She also spent a period as deputy director of social work services.

Her husband is a criminal defence lawyer.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The quality of candidates was exceptionally high but Annemarie brings a wealth of experience, passion and vision to the role and was the unanimous choice of the interview panel."

Ms O'Donnell commented: “I am delighted and humbled to have been appointed. This is a really exciting time for Glasgow. There is no doubt the next few years will be challenging for everyone in local government. But I believe we have the energy, the ideas and, crucially, the best people to meet those challenges.”