- Robert Weaver and Rishi Spolia join Executive Leadership Team in newly restructured senior roles
- Appointments strengthen council's capacity to deliver major regeneration programmes, continue to improve housing services and build stronger communities
- New leadership structure prepares Tamworth for local government reorganisation and long-term growth
Tamworth Borough Council has appointed two new Executive Directors as part of a strategic restructure designed to strengthen leadership capacity and deliver the authority's ambitious corporate plan for 2025-2030.
Robert Weaver joins as Executive Director – Place, with Rishi Spolia appointed as Executive Director – Communities and Housing. Both roles report directly to Chief Executive Stephen Gabriel and form part of the council's Executive Leadership Team.
The appointments follow an organisational review aimed at strengthening the council's capacity to deliver on multiple fronts – from continuing high-quality services and progressing major regeneration schemes, to preparing for local government reorganisation and meeting the council's responsibilities as a registered social housing provider.
Robert Weaver – Executive Director, Place
Robert brings over 25 years of local government experience across regulatory services, development management and place shaping at borough, district and city councils. He has previously served as chief executive at Cotswold District Council and worked in Staffordshire as part of the High Peak and Staffordshire Moorlands Alliance.
As an ambassador for local government, Robert sits on the national board of the Society for Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (Solace) and has established strong partnerships at local, regional and national levels. His portfolio at Tamworth will include corporate asset management, heritage, planning, and regeneration and economic development.
Rishi Spolia – Executive Director, Communities and Housing
Rishi currently leads strategic housing initiatives at Birmingham City Council, with extensive experience in delivering affordable housing, regulatory compliance, and community engagement programmes. His approach emphasises innovation, customer-centric service delivery and collaborative working to support sustainable communities.
At Tamworth, Rishi will lead regulatory services, community safety and partnerships, housing operations, and public realm services – a portfolio critical to meeting the council's responsibilities as a registered social housing provider and delivering improved outcomes for all Tamworth’s communities.
Stephen Gabriel, Chief Executive of Tamworth Borough Council, said: "These are two outstanding appointments at a pivotal moment for Tamworth. Robert and Rishi bring exactly the blend of strategic vision, delivery expertise and collaborative leadership we need as we embark on the next phase of our transformation.
"Our restructure creates a senior leadership team configured to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead – from delivering complex regeneration schemes and maintaining financial resilience, to ensuring our housing services meet the highest regulatory standards and positioning Tamworth's voice strongly in regional reorganisation discussions.
"Both appointments demonstrate our ambition to attract high-calibre leaders who share our commitment to building a better Tamworth and delivering real impact for our communities."
On joining Tamworth Borough Council, Robert Weaver said: "I'm delighted to be joining such a forward-thinking and driven local authority, with key place shaping programmes. I'm really excited about playing my part to 'build a better Tamworth'."
Rishi Spolia said: "Tamworth is a place with a strong sense of community identity. I'm excited to join at such an important time and work alongside colleagues, partners and residents to deliver services that genuinely improve lives and strengthen our neighbourhoods. This is an opportunity to make a real difference every day."
The restructure supports delivery of Tamworth's ambitious corporate priorities, which include completing the £21 million Future High Streets Fund programme, progressing the second phase of town centre regeneration, and establishing a Tamworth Development Agency to coordinate economic growth.
With a population of over 81,000 and excellent transport connectivity across the region and to London, Tamworth is positioning itself to be a town that is thriving – backed by strong leadership, strategic investment and a clear economic vision.
Notes:
About Tamworth Borough Council
Tamworth Borough Council is a district-level local authority in Staffordshire, serving a population of over 81,000 residents. The council operates a £60 million annual revenue budget and employs around 300 staff delivering services from housing and planning to regeneration and community support.
Following the 2024 local elections, the council is Labour-led under Councillor Carol Dean, with a diverse political composition across 39 councillors.
Appointment start dates
Robert Weaver, Executive Director – Place: 8 December 2025
Rishi Spolia, Executive Director – Communities and Housing: 5 January 2026