Eddie Fraser has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council, to replace Fiona Lees when she retires in a few weeks’ time.

Mr Fraser has over 34 years of local government experience, having worked with Strathclyde Regional Council and Glasgow City Council prior to joining East Ayrshire Council in 1998.

He has been with East Ayrshire Council since, apart from a year when he took up the role of Head of Community Care with South Ayrshire Council in 2007.

He returned in 2008 to take up the post of Head of Community Care/Chief Social Work Officer before being promoted to his current role of Director of Health and Social Care in 2014.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council said: “I’d like to congratulate Eddie Fraser on his successful appointment as Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council.

“This appointment signals a period of change for East Ayrshire. We know that many challenges lie ahead in the wake of COVID-19, but I am confident that Eddie will lead the organisation and the communities of East Ayrshire to recovery, and I very much look forward to working with Eddie as he takes up his new post.”

Councillor Jim Roberts, Chair of the Recruitment Panel said: “The calibre of candidates for this post has been outstanding; the process has been rigorous and we commend those who made it through to the final stages today, but I am delighted that we have now made our decision and I welcome Eddie Fraser as our new Chief Executive.”

A start date for him to take up his new post is still under discussion.

Out-going Chief Executive, Fiona Lees, announced her retirement on August 19, having served as Chief Executive for over 16 years.