Dr Catherine Howe is set to become the new Chief Executive at Dorset Council after being unanimously recommended by the cross-party Staffing Committee.
The appointment is subject to final approval by Full Council on 10 April.
Catherine will take over from Sam Crowe who is interim Chief Executive, following the departure earlier this year of former Chief Executive, Matt Prosser, to join Wellington City Council in New Zealand.
Dr Catherine Howe is currently the Chief Executive of Adur and Worthing Councils, and previously held senior roles at Cancer Research UK and Capita PLC.
Dr Catherine Howe said: “I have been watching with great admiration the work which Dorset Council has done since it was created in 2019 and I feel both excited and very privileged to have the chance to be part of where we go next.
“With an ambitious Council Plan, and all the ingredients needed to deliver it, I can’t wait to get started.”
Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of the Council, said: “We are delighted to have selected Dr Catherine Howe as our new Chief Executive. Catherine brings a wealth of experience, expertise and energy to the role. She has a clear vision and I am confident that she will drive delivery of excellent services for the people of Dorset.”