A NEW director on a whopping £117,571 has been appointed at Worcestershire County Council - signalling the next step in plans to hive off services.

Sander Kristel, who helped launch a new £1.7 billion private sector education company, has been appointed to the much-publicised role of 'director of commercial and change'.

Mr Kristel, 44, who has landed the lucrative role after fighting off stiff competition, is currently chief information officer at Staffordshire County Council.

While in Staffordshire he was credited with turning around the IT department using the private sector.

As well as his time in Staffordshire, he has worked at Telford and Wrekin Council and spent 12 years in private industry including internet provider Freeserve and Durch bank ABN Amro.

The county council is looking to hand over 85 per cent of all services to outside providers by 2018/19, with the loss of around 1,500 in-house jobs.

Mr Kristel will be tasked with driving that change, focusing on new-look services ran outside County Hall.

He said: "After being initially attracted by this approach, the longer term vision and strong leadership of the council I am absolutely delighted to have been offered the role and excited about joining the team."

Chief executive Clare Marchant said: "Sander will be a great asset to the organisation, bringing a unique skill set and demonstrable track record of an ability to drive change through at pace, whilst bringing others with him and maintaining a focus on resident priorities.

"He underpins all of this with commercial acumen and nous which are crucial as the council moves to be an excellent commissioning organisation.

"A fantastic appointment which will make a real difference to the council and Worcestershire residents and businesses."