Tower Hamlets Council Appoints New Directors for Finance and Resources

Tower Hamlets Council has appointed new directors for its finance and resources departments, signalling a significant step in its ongoing efforts to strengthen senior leadership and improve service delivery.

Ellen Clarke, Director of Human Resources, announced the appointments at a Human Resources Committee meeting on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Ian Williams will take up the permanent role of Corporate Director of Resources and Section 151 Officer in November, while Emma Horner is set to begin as Director of Finance in December.

A collage of images related to Tower Hamlets Council activities, including a street scene with a modern building and market, a group of sanitation workers with vehicles, a cultural performance, and a mobile unit with council staff.
A collage of images related to Tower Hamlets Council activitiesSource: Human Resources Committee papers, 13 October 2026

These appointments are part of a comprehensive recruitment plan aimed at filling remaining senior vacancies by the end of January. The council is currently undertaking recruitment for the Director of Young Tower Hamlets and the Director of Transformation, as detailed in the Public reports pack 13th-Oct-2026 Human Resources Committee.

The appointment of Ian Williams to the Corporate Director of Resources role also includes the Section 151 Officer position. This role is crucial for statutory and financial compliance and is seen as key to restoring organisational stability and leadership control within the council.

The council has been actively working to ensure stable leadership to support its strategic priorities and continuous improvement plans.

Read the Agenda frontsheet for the meeting here.