New government CEO 'honoured' to be appointed

A new government chief executive officer (CEO) and head of public services has been appointed.

The Government of Jersey said senior civil servant Paul Wylie was to take over from Andrew McLaughlin when he stepped down in the autumn.

Wylie, currently chief officer of the Cabinet Office and interim deputy CEO, said he was "honoured" to have the opportunity to lead a public service of "talented people who recognise the issues facing our Island and are determined to make a difference".

He said: "The creation of a new government means this is the right time to step up into this important role."

Jersey's new government was formed after the island's general election in June.

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said Wylie had "significant" public service experience both in the UK and on the island, where he had been a key member of its senior leadership team since February 2021.

Farnham said: "He has developed a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our island.

"It is particularly pleasing that we have been able to appoint a candidate locally rather than recruit from off-island."

McLaughlin said: "One of the objectives set for me by the chief minister at the start of his term in 2024 was to ensure strong succession planning within the public sector.

"We now have a clear strategy to invest in and develop our own staff so that they can compete at the highest standards.

"I am very pleased, therefore, to be passing the role to Paul, who has ably led the transition to the new government as part of the succession plan."

McLaughlin said it had been a privilege to lead the public service, adding and it was one of the "best jobs" in the island.

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