Luton Borough Council appoints new Chief Executive

Luton Borough Council has appointed Trevor Holden as its next Chief Executive.

Mr Holden, 47, will join the authority from Breckland Council in Norfolk, where he has been Chief Executive since 2007.

Previously he was Director of Neighbourhood Services with Erewash Borough Council in Derbyshire, and before that enjoyed a successful career with the Royal Air Force.

Mr Holden’s appointment was ratified by a meeting of full council last night (18 March).

Cllr Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton borough Council, said: "It is a great pleasure to announce the recruitment of Trevor Holden as our new Chief Executive.

"Trevor impressed us as an innovator and we are delighted that he will be helping us address the challenges in Luton in the coming years."  

Mr Holden grew up in the Norfolk village of Bracon Ash, and was educated at Wymondham High School.

He started his working career at Lotus Cars Ltd prior to becoming an RAF policeman in 1980.    

Following a period of study he attended initial officer training and was commissioned into the Administration Branch in 1986.

Having served in a variety of locations, at home and abroad, his final tour of duty was the Officer Commanding Administrative Wing at Royal Air Force Station, Wittering.

Mr Holden, who also gained a Master of Arts from King’s College, London, in 2000, retired from the RAF in 2004, having attained the rank of Wing Commander.

Trevor Holden said: "I am extremely proud to be joining Luton borough Council at such a pivotal time of positive change for the area. It is a considerable privilege to be offered this appointment.

"I look forward to starting work with the Council, its officers, partners and, most importantly, residents, in delivering Luton’s really exciting agenda." 

Key initiatives in Luton include:  

• the £0.5 billion Building Schools for the Future programme which will deliver 13 new or refurbished secondary schools in four years, plus a new Aquatic Centre, 450 affordable homes, new libraries, a community theatre and an integrated children’s development centre providing specialised care for youngsters with disabilities  

• the Luton-Dunstable Busway which has just received an £89 million funding package and will offer passengers a fast, frequent and efficient alternative to travelling by car  

• and the Luton In Harmony campaign which celebrates the town’s diversity.

 Mr Holden is married to Julie and they have seven children. Outside work and family he is a keen road runner, chairman of his local scout group and a steward of his local church.     

Luton Borough Council will continue to be led by Interim Chief Executive Mike Robinson until Mr Holden’s arrival later in the year.