Kent County Council has announced its choice as successor to chief executive Peter Gilroy.

Katherine Kerswell was today named as the authority's group managing director - taking home a salary of nearly £200,000.

But that is thought to be much less than her predecessor, who is believed to have earned around £244,000 in 2008.

She will move over from Northamptonshire County Council, where she is currently chief executive. She is also president of the Society of Local Authority Chief Exectives (SOLACE).

Paul Carter, Leader of KCC, said: “Kent County Council’s cross party Personnel Committee has unanimously recommended Katherine’s appointment.

"We were all enormously impressed by Katherine’s breadth of vision and energy and her absolute commitment to placing Kent citizens at the heart of the services we deliver.

"She will be a worthy successor to our outstanding Chief Executive Peter Gilroy, who leaves in May."

The recommendation must first be rubber-stamped by the council at its next meeting on April 1.

Jim Harker, Leader of Northamptonshire County Council, said: “Kent’s gain is very much Northamptonshire’s loss. Katherine has made a very significant contribution to improving the quality of life for the people of Northamptonshire.

"Whilst I am very sorry to see her go I understand Katherine’s decision to take up the challenge of one of the most high profile jobs in local government."

Katherine Kerswell said she was delighted to be offered the opportunity to join KCC. She added: "I know I will be able to draw on the excellent experience I have gained to help meet the challenge of my exciting new role in Kent.”

She is expected to take up her new role at the start of July - on the same salary as now - of £197,000.

But that is thought to be less than that earned by Peter Gilroy who, according to latest figures, earned around a £244,000 package in 2008.