The position previously occupied by a former council chief executive who now heads Wales’ coal tips body has been filled.

Christina Harrhy most recently served as joint director of economy for both Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent borough councils before accepting her £120,000 annual role as chief executive of the newly-established Disused Tips Authority for Wales.

Prior to her joint appointment by the Gwent councils, which operate under a federation agreement, Ms Harrhy had led Caerphilly Borough Council as chief executive from 2018. She departed the position in October 2024 following a twelve-month period away from work, with a severance payment confirmed earlier this year amounting to £280,654.

Her previous role serving both Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent will be taken over by Roger Allonby, a former officer from Herefordshire Council. He was appointed to the position following a joint appointments committee meeting for both councils on Wednesday, July 1.

Mr Allonby’s position as joint head of economy and place carries a salary range of £112,639 to £121,299 per year.

The neighbouring authorities have been collaborating on a joint economic development initiative called the blueprint for growth, which aims to identify sites for employment and housing while also developing transport connections.

Mr Allonby is described as having over 25 years of experience in economic development and regeneration. He has previously worked for the UK Government, a regional development agency, and for the past seven years at Herefordshire Council where he served as director for growth.

He has also overseen the delivery of national rural socio-economic programmes, the development and delivery of major infrastructure projects across the West Midlands, and served as regional lead for tourism and culture.

At Herefordshire Council, where Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent’s joint chief executive Stephen Vickers previously worked as a senior officer before securing the top position at Pontypool’s Civic Centre in July 2021, Mr Allonby was responsible for strategic and development planning, housing development, economic development, building control and regeneration.

He was also the strategic lead for major projects including the Herefordshire Enterprise Zone, the development of Ross on Wye Enterprise Park, and a new £20 million Museum and Art Gallery.

Mr Allonby stated that he was pleased to be joining Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Councils and expressed enthusiasm about the vision to enhance local residents’ lives through inclusive growth and support for those most in need. He added that he was eager to join the team.