A new chief executive could soon take charge at Newham Council after receiving the backing of Mayor Forhad Hussain.
The mayor has recommended Maria Christofi, the council’s current corporate director of resources, for the authority’s most senior non-political role. If approved by councillors next month, she will take over as chief executive and become the sixth person to hold the position since 2018.
Christofi joined Newham Council in September 2025 as interim assistant chief executive before being appointed corporate director of resources in January. Since then, she has overseen the council’s finances, including the setting of this year’s budget.
Her proposed appointment has been supported by the council’s chief officer appointments committee on 19 June. The committee included representatives from Labour, the Newham Independents and the Green Party. If confirmed, Christofi will succeed interim chief executive Paul Martin, who took over the role in July 2025 following the resignation of Abi Gbago.
During her time as finance chief, Christofi introduced a number of financial safeguards within the council’s budget. These included a £10 million contingency fund to help services facing rising costs, as well as a business risk reserve worth 10 per cent of the overall budget. The budget also included £31 million in savings through spending reductions and income-generating measures.
Her appointment would also see her salary increase from at least £176,061 to a maximum of £238,419 a year, according to the council’s pay policy.
Mayor Forhad Hussain said: “I am delighted to recommend Maria for appointment as chief executive, with the full support of the chief officer appointment committee.” He added: “I look forward to working closely with Maria and colleagues across the council as we continue to build a Newham that delivers on the ambitions of our residents.”
A final decision on the appointment will be made at a full council meeting on 13 July.
