LANCASHIRE County Council has appointed a new chief executive.

Ged Fitzgerald, who is currently chief executive at Sunderland City Council, has been named as the new head of the fourth largest local authority in the country.

Mr Fitzgerald, 46, who has a postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies from the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, said: "I am delighted to lead such an ambitious and excellent organisation.

"Lancashire has great potential and the county council is in an excellent position to improve the quality of life and the opportunities available to residents and its communities.

"Helping to lead the county on the next stages of its journey is an exciting opportunity.

"I hope to build on the achievements and improvements already made, whilst recognizing that there is much still to be done."

County Councillor Hazel Harding, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "I am sure that Ged will build on the solid foundations laid by Chris Trinick and prove to be an excellent chief executive.

"He is an experienced chief executive with a proven track record of achievement particularly in cultural change, customer focus, regeneration and partnership working - all of which are at the top of our agenda."

Mr Fitzgerald started his local government career at Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council.

He then worked for several Merseyside authorities before being appointed as Head of Economic Development and European Affairs, and Director of City Challenge at Liverpool City Council in 1996.

In 1998, he was appointed as Deputy Chief Executive at Calderdale Metropolitan Borough and in 2001 took over as Chief Executive of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, before moving on to Sunderland City Council in 2004.

Councillor Bob Symonds, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "Ged Fitzgerald has been responsible for a step change in our massive programme of regeneration, and has been a driving force in gaining recognition for the city on a national and international basis.

"His strong leadership has been instrumental in developing excellent working partnerships and a robust, fit for purpose council which we will build upon for the future."

Mr Fitzgerald is married and has an eight-year-old daughter.

He replaces outgoing chief executive Chris Trinick, who is retiring from the county council on 31 May 2008, after six years in charge.