Next executive director announced for Fife Council’s finance and corporate services

Eileen Rowand, head of revenue & shared services at Fife Council, has been appointed executive director finance & corporate services at the authority.

She will take over in February from current director Brian Livingston following his retirement.

Leader of Fife Council, David Ross, chair of the appointments sub-committee, said: “I’m delighted to announce Eileen’s appointment and look forward to working even more closely with her as she takes up her new role.

“Finance & Corporate Services is a large and challenging directorate to lead. A challenge that will only increase as we face continued financial pressure and workforce change. I’m pleased to say that Eileen has more than enough experience and skill to help us lead the Council through these difficult times. Those of us who have worked with her through the years know and respect her professionalism, skill and leadership qualities and I’m reassured the directorate is passing into a safe pair of hands.

“Once again, the calibre of applicants for the role was exceptional and I’d like to thank everyone for their time and enthusiasm.”

With over 2,000 people, across 8 professional areas, in around 120 roles Finance and Corporate Services covers a wider range of professional disciplines.

The executive director has the lead role in providing appropriate advice and support on the financial management of the Council.

She will lead a wide range of services including HR, Legal, IT and Financial Services.

Eileen has been with Fife Council since 2000 when she joined as an accountant.

She had previously worked with the NHS in Fife after training with the Scottish Health Service.

Appointed as Head of Service Revenue and Exchequer Services in 2011 her management roles also included providing accounting services to Fife Fire and Rescue Services, Housing and Communities; and Council wide Financial and Shared Support Services.

Eileen was brought up in Fife where she attended Glenwood High School, she is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants and holds Master of Business Administration from Edinburgh University. She is married with 2 children.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to taking up my new role. It will be a challenge but one that I can’t wait to get stuck into. I’ll be working even more closely with Brian for the next few months to ensure that the handover is as smooth as possible.