New Executive Director appointed at West Northamptonshire Council

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has appointed a new Executive Director for Place, Economy and Environment.

24 July 2026

David Harris is currently Director for Property and Regeneration at Birmingham City Council and will be joining WNC at the start of October, taking over from Stuart Timmiss, who will be retiring later that month.

David has a strong track record in place-based transformation, regeneration, economic growth, asset management and major capital programme delivery across the city, currently with responsibility for delivering major regeneration and housing projects such as the Smithfield and Paradise schemes.

A Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer, he brings extensive senior leadership experience from across local government, including roles at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, as well as private sector experience.

David said: “I'm very pleased and excited to be joining WNC and taking on such a role with so much potential, opportunity and challenge. WNC’s firm focus on delivering key place transformation programmes and service improvements very much attracted me to West Northants and I am really looking forward to making a start on delivering better outcomes for communities.”

Father-of-three David added he has plans to relocate to the area from the West Midlands with his family to explore everything West Northants has to offer for residents, businesses and visitors.

Martin Henry, Chief Executive at West Northamptonshire Council said: “I am delighted to welcome David to our Council, his expertise and leadership in regeneration, property, housing and major programme delivery will be invaluable as we deliver upon our ambition to make West Northamptonshire a thriving place to live work and visit.

“David’s passion for place-making and his enthusiasm for joining our organisation were evident throughout the recruitment process and I look forward to working closely with him.”

David will take over the reins from current post holder Stuart Timmiss, who has played an integral role in shaping West Northamptonshire Council and its place, economy and environment services since its formation five years ago.