Gareth Barwell has been appointed to the role of Corporate Director of Place.
The post is accountable for a range of major council services including travel and transport, parks and waste, housing and planning, libraries and culture, and Edinburgh’s new visitor levy.
Councillors approved a report recommending his permanent appointment at the full council meeting this week, after 14 months as Interim Corporate Director of Place.
Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said:
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Gareth Barwell to this vital role.
With over a decade of experience within the council, managing thousands of workers across our waste, parks and roads services, plus over a year holding this position on an interim basis, I’m certain that we have chosen the right candidate.
As Corporate Director of Place, Gareth will oversee essential improvements to day-to-day services that affect all residents in the city, alongside important developments to ensure our city continues to run smoothly and remains a fantastic place to live. There has already been a sustained improvement in the performance of our waste and cleansing service under Gareth’s watch and I look forward to this continuing. I warmly welcome him to this role.
Gareth Barwell takes over the position from Paul Lawrence, who held the role for almost 10 years before being appointed Chief Executive in 2024.
Paul Lawrence added:
Following an elected member recruitment panel, I’m pleased that Gareth becomes our permanent Corporate Director of Place.
This is an exciting time for Edinburgh but we face mounting challenges to maintain those services which mean the most to residents and which we all rely on. With his invaluable experience, I believe Gareth will bring the expertise and solutions we need for our growing city to continue to thrive. I look forward to working closely with him and his team.
Gareth Barwell began his local government career at the City of Doncaster Council, overseeing a range of environmental and enforcement services. He went on to become the area’s Head of Service for Street Scene and Waste Management in 2011 before holding a similar role at West Lothian Council, where he also looked after environmental services.
He joined the City of Edinburgh Council in 2014 initially as Waste and Cleansing Manager, before becoming Head of Place Management and latterly the Service Director of Operational Services, where he had long held responsibility for transport and waste. For the last 14 months, he has acted as the Corporate Director of Place on an interim basis.