New director appointed to local government organisation

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has appointed a new non-executive director to its board.

Stewart Gilliard has been drafted in and will join the likes of Sara Weller, Stephen Hay and Diana Brightmore-Armour as part of the organisation's director team.

The DCLG has appointed Mr Gilliard following his retirement from Muller UK where he was chief executive of the yoghurt giant from 2006 to 2010. He becomes the fourth director to join the organisation.

Sir Bob Kerslake, permanent secretary, said: "I am really pleased Stewart has agreed to take on the role of non-executive director for the department. Stewart brings with him a valuable wealth of commercial experience and external expertise. I look forward to working with him."

Mr Gilliard's appointment is just one of a number of moves within the local government sector. In Wigan, the town's chief executive Joyce Redfearn announced that she would be leaving her position in a bid to save the town money.