A COUNCIL chief executive has been appointed to take over a senior role at a North-East university.

Jane Robinson, Chief Executive of Gateshead Council, has been appointed the new Chief Operating Officer at Durham University.

She will take up her position in September this year, succeeding Paulina Lubacz, who retired earlier this year.

University vice-chancellor Professor Stuart Corbridge, said: “Jane is a dynamic and innovative leader with outstanding strategic skills and a proven track record.

“We are confident that she will be an excellent addition to the University Executive and we look forward to working with her.”

During her 11-year career with Gateshead Council, four of them as chief executive, Mrs Robinson has played a key role in a number of major projects including the £150m Town Centre redevelopment.

She said: “I am delighted to be joining Durham University at such an exciting time and am looking forward to working with the team to deliver on ambitious plans to further enhance the University’s position as a world-class institution, which makes a significant contribution both locally and globally.”

Leader of Gateshead Council, Mick Henry said: “Jane has been fundamental in helping drive through a long term vision for Gateshead.

“Her vision and creativity have helped create a strong and sustainable plan for the future which will help ensure Gateshead continues to make progress, despite the challenging times ahead for local government.

“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Jane, I am sure that in this new role she will help to drive forward the ambitions of one of the UK’s leading educational establishments and I personally wish her every success.”

Married with three school-aged children, Mrs Robinson is national chair of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and sits on the UK Committee of the Big Lottery Fund.

She holds a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Durham University and a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Leeds.