Debbie Sutton appointed as Chief Officer – Operations and Maintenance at The Highland Council

The Highland Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Debbie Sutton as Chief Officer – Operations and Maintenance. This marks the fourth of five key appointments within the Council’s newly restructured senior management team for the Place service cluster, led by Malcolm Macleod, Assistant Chief Executive – Place.

This appointment is part of the Council’s revised senior management structure, approved on 14 March 2024 as outlined in the 2024/25 budget plan. The new structure streamlines the management hierarchy from three layers to two, aligning Highland Council with other benchmarked local authorities and enhancing operational efficiency.

Council Convener, Cllr Bill Lobban, said: “I warmly congratulate Debbie on her new role. She brings a wealth of experience and strong leadership that will be a tremendous asset to The Highland Council.”

Council Leader, Cllr Raymond Bremner, added: “I’m encouraged by the continued progress in implementing our new senior management structure. These appointments are a key step in delivering the efficiencies agreed in our February 2024 budget. The restructure is expected to generate initial savings of £370,000, with long-term savings projected to reach approximately 20% of senior management costs.”

Debbie Sutton, currently serving as Acting Strategic Lead for Community Operations and Logistics, brings 19 years of experience with The Highland Council. She holds a degree in (Hospitality) Management and brings extensive experience in insourcing, strategic reviews, and strategy development. Her work includes the original development of the Greenspace Strategy for Inverness in 2006, as well as the more recent and nationally recognised Play Park Strategy. Debbie has also led and managed a wide range of operational services, including Grounds Maintenance, Play Areas and Public Conveniences. Debbie will assume her new responsibilities with immediate effect.