Sailing enthusiast appointed new council operations director

A sailing enthusiast who has competed in an around-the-world yacht race has started work on a very different kind of challenge.

Cathryn James has been appointed as the Royal Borough's new operations director.

She started in her new role on Monday, August 12, having previously worked at a variety of councils and has a background in civil engineering.

"There is clearly a pride in terms of what the operations directorate has achieved in the past and an enthusiasm for what it can achieve for the future," said Cathryn.

"I am looking forward to working with residents, businesses, staff and elected members on the next phase of its journey."

Last summer, Cathryn returned home to the UK after competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and continues to be an ocean enthusiast.

She will team up with the borough's senior management team which has recently being re-shuffled to help cut costs and provide a better service.