A highly experienced local government finance leader has been appointed as the Isle of Wight Council’s new deputy chief executive and strategic director of finance.
Jo Knight joins the authority from Guildford and Waverley Borough Councils, where she served as joint strategic director of finance and played a leading role in strengthening financial resilience and driving organisational improvement.
Throughout her career, Jo has become known for her collaborative leadership style and ability to guide organisations through periods of change.
At Guildford and Waverley, she helped oversee significant financial improvements, including supporting Guildford Borough Council’s transformation from a position where a Section 114 notice was considered a possibility to one of the strongest financial positions in Surrey.
From Surrey to the Island
Now she is preparing for her next chapter on the Isle of Wight, attracted by both the professional opportunity and the Island’s strong sense of community.
Jo said,
“The Island has its own identity, strengths and challenges, and that makes it very different from many councils I’ve worked with before.
“On a personal level, I was drawn to the strong sense of community, the stunning coastline and countryside, and the pride people clearly have in the Island. It’s somewhere with real character, and that was hugely appealing.”
Jo said the opportunity to combine strategic financial leadership with a wider corporate role was a major factor in her decision to join the council. She said,
“Sound financial management might not always be the most exciting topic, but it sits at the heart of everything a council does and has a real impact on residents’ lives.”
‘A real sense of momentum’
She joins the authority at a time when it continues its improvement journey and works to deliver its ambitions for Island residents.
Jo said,
“There is a real sense of momentum.
“The council has already achieved a huge amount, but there is still lots of opportunity ahead and that is exciting to be part of.
“I’m looking forward to working with colleagues, members and partners to build on what’s already been achieved and helping make a positive difference for residents and communities across the Island.”
From army nurse to finance director
However, Jo’s route into local government leadership has been anything but conventional.
Before moving into finance and senior leadership, she served with the Army’s Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) and spent around 20 years working as a nurse across neonatal care, elderly care and accident and emergency departments.
Along the way she also managed nursing agencies, worked on building sites and built up what she describes as “a collection of experiences that probably don’t appear on many finance directors’ CVs”.
However, she says her proudest achievement has been the people she has worked alongside. She said,
“The financial improvements are important, but those outcomes only happen because of talented people pulling in the same direction.
“The thing I’m most proud of is being part of teams that have worked hard, supported one another and remained focused on doing the right thing for residents.”
Listening first
As she prepares to take up her new role, Jo’s priorities are simple: listen, learn and build relationships.
She said,
“I want to spend time meeting colleagues, members, partners and stakeholders and really understanding what matters to them.
“Every organisation and every place has its own story, and it’s important to understand that before rushing to make changes.”
Leader’s welcome
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, council Leader, said,
“We are delighted to welcome Jo to the Isle of Wight.
“She brings a wealth of experience from across the public sector, but what particularly impressed us was her commitment to people, partnership working and delivering positive outcomes for communities.
“Jo’s career path has been anything but conventional, giving her a unique perspective on leadership and public service.
“We are looking forward to working with her as we continue our improvement journey and deliver on our ambitions for Island residents.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
