Buckinghamshire Council has confirmed the appointment of Zina Etheridge as its new Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service following a full Council meeting held on Wednesday 25 February.
Etheridge brings senior leadership experience spanning local government, the NHS and central government. She most recently served as Chief Executive of NHS North East London, where she led a £6 billion integrated health system supporting 2.4 million residents. In that role, she oversaw programmes focused on transformation, financial recovery and service innovation.
Prior to her NHS position, Etheridge was Chief Executive of Haringey Council. During her tenure, she led regeneration and housing development projects, service improvement initiatives and the borough’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at both Haringey and Barnet councils, with responsibilities including central services, performance improvement, third sector commissioning and customer services. She has also worked in strategic leadership roles within the Cabinet Office on public service reform.
Speaking after the meeting, Etheridge said she was “really excited” to be appointed to the role, describing Buckinghamshire as “a brilliant place” and stating her intention to build on the council’s existing achievements. She said her aim would be to ensure that “the place, its people and communities continue to thrive and succeed,” adding that she looked forward to working with staff, partners and councillors.
Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, said the authority was pleased to confirm the appointment. He said Etheridge brings experience from across local government and the NHS, as well as a track record of leading complex organisations through periods of change, and that he looked forward to working with her.
Etheridge is due to take up the position in April 2026.
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