Carmarthenshire Council has appointed a female chief executive for the first time in its history.

Wendy Walters, who was born and bred in Carmarthenshire , will become the first woman to take up the role in the council’s history when she officially takes over the reins next month.

Mrs Walters will replace current incumbent Mark James, who has served as chief executive for 17 years.

She was appointed on Wednesday afternoon by the 74 members of the full council following a "rigorous and objective recruitment process" that involved external recruitment specialists.

Mark James, who joined Carmarthenshire Council as chief executive in 2002, announced his retirement earlier this and will leave the role when he turns 60 in June.

Mrs Walters has worked in local government for 16 years and in senior management positions across different sectors for more than 24 years.

She said she is "honoured" to have been appointed to the position and is committed to forging a strong future for the county.

Wendy Walters

“Both born and raised in Carmarthenshire, I am honoured and privileged to have been given this opportunity so close to home, family and friends," said Mrs Walters, who is a fluent Welsh speaker.

"I am truly humbled to have gained the confidence of the Council to lead as its new Chief Executive, and look forward to the challenges that lay ahead"

"As a local authority, Carmarthenshire Council is not afraid to be bold and ambitious, and that is something that will drive me as I work with our dedicated team of officers and members to deliver quality services for our communities and exciting regeneration initiatives to forge a strong future for Carmarthenshire."

Mrs Walters’ annual salary will be £145,000 per year, £30,000 less than that paid to Mr James.

The decision to pay Mr James' successor less was made during a full council meeting in February following a recommendation from the Independent Remuneration Panel of Wales.

Officials said the idea was to bring the annual wage more in line with other local authorities in Wales.

Mark James is retiring after 17 years in the role

The leader of the council, Emlyn Dole, said the appointment of Mrs Walters represented an exciting time for the county.

Mr Dole said: "The three-day recruitment process has been challenging and demanding, and all shortlisted applicants have shown strength and ambition.

“We were clear that we wanted a chief officer who would play an integral role in shaping the authority, and strengthening our profile as an ambitious, forward-thinking council that delivers for our residents, businesses and partners.

“In Wendy I am confident that we will do just that, with new vigour and a tenacity to drive our ambitions, motivate our workforce and deliver for our communities.

“As we move through a period of transition in the coming months, we will work closely together, alongside our retiring chief executive, to plan and ensure a smooth change of hands.

“These are exciting times, and I am sure that Wendy will help steer the county onwards and upwards.”

Councillor Rob James, Labour leader and leader of the opposition at Carmarthenshire Council, offered his congratulations to Mrs Walters after Wednesday afternoon’s announcement.

"This appointment marks a new chapter in the history of this authority and we look forward to working with the new Chief Executive to ensure that the aspirations of our residents are met by this Council," he added.

"We have been clear in the last year on the direction we believe this authority needs take and we will continue to carry to hold officers, under new leadership, and this administration to account."

Mrs Walters has previously served as assistant chief executive and as head of economic development at the council, and is the current deputy returning officer for elections.

She will spend the next five weeks working alongside Mark James, and will take over the role officially on June 9.