Simon Moon Appointed As Isle Of Wight Council’s New Strategic Director Of Community Services

The Isle of Wight Council has confirmed the appointment of Simon Moon as its new Strategic Director of Community Services.

Mr Moon will take up the role in April, succeeding Colin Rowland, who is due to leave the council at the end of March after seven years in post.

The appointment follows what the council has described as a robust and competitive recruitment process.

Mr Moon brings more than 28 years of senior leadership experience across both the public and private sectors.

A qualified civil engineer, he has previously held senior roles at Portsmouth City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and AtkinsRéalis.

His career has included leading major infrastructure, regeneration, transport and environmental programmes.

Isle of Wight Council Chief Executive Wendy Perera welcomed the appointment, describing Mr Moon as a strong addition to the authority’s leadership team.

She said:

“Simon brings an impressive breadth of experience and a genuine passion for public service.

"His leadership will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our work across community services, from highways and the environment to leisure and transport.

“We are delighted to welcome him to the Isle of Wight Council and look forward to the energy, vision and collaboration he will bring.”

Ms Perera also paid tribute to outgoing director Colin Rowland, thanking him for his contribution to the council and the Island.

“Colin has made an enormous contribution over the past seven years,” she said.

“His leadership has helped shape a resilient and committed directorate, and we are very grateful for everything he has achieved.”

Speaking about his appointment, Mr Moon said he was attracted to the role by the Island’s vibrancy, diversity and strong sense of identity, as well as the opportunity to help shape services at a key moment.

He said:

“What drew me most to this role is the council’s clear commitment to its communities and the pride people take in serving the Island.

“There is already a lot of strong work underway across Community Services, and I’m passionate about building on that with teams, partners and residents.

"I’m really looking forward to contributing to the next chapter of this important work.”