The acting chief executive of Croydon Council has been appointed to the role permanently.

Jo Negrini, the first woman to hold the top job, will be formally confirmed in the position at a full council meeting on July 18 after spending three months as interim chief executive.

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She succeeds Nathan Elvery, who announced he was stepping down from the £180,000 a year role in March to take charge at West Sussex County Council.

Ms Negrini joined the council in 2014 as executive director of development and environment after previously working for Lambeth and Newham councils.

She said: “I’m privileged and honoured to be appointed as chief executive of Croydon Council at what is such a challenging time for our borough.

“I really love working here and I’m really excited to be taking on this new challenge.

“Croydon is London’s growth borough, and we are leading the way in delivering multi-billion pound regeneration, new homes and jobs and excellent, value-for-money services for local people.

“We have a lot to do, but I’m fortunate to be working alongside such a talented and dedicated team of people who are delivering for Croydon.”

RELATED: Croydon Council chief executive Nathan Elvery announces departure

Council leader Tony Newman said: “The decision to offer Jo the job was made unanimously, and against an extremely strong field of candidates.

“Jo has already proven herself to be an outstanding interim chief executive.

“Since she joined us in 2014, she has demonstrated strong leadership, ambition for Croydon and a proven track record in delivering for local people.

“This makes her the ideal person to be helping lead Croydon through the most significant phase in its history.”