Paul Wylie named Jersey’s next public service chief

Paul Wylie has been appointed as Jersey’s next chief executive and head of the island’s public service.

The senior civil servant will succeed Andrew McLaughlin, who is due to step down in the autumn.

Wylie currently serves as chief officer of the Cabinet Office and interim deputy chief executive. He said he was “honoured” to have been given the opportunity to lead Jersey’s public service and praised its “talented people” for their commitment to tackling the challenges facing the island.

“The creation of a new government means this is the right time to step up into this important role,” he said.

Jersey’s new government took office following the island’s general election in June.

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham welcomed Wylie’s appointment, highlighting his extensive public service experience in both the UK and Jersey. Wylie has been part of the island’s senior leadership team since February 2021.

Farnham said Wylie had developed a strong understanding of Jersey’s challenges and opportunities.

“It is particularly pleasing that we have been able to appoint a candidate locally rather than recruit from off-island,” he said.

Outgoing chief executive Andrew McLaughlin said ensuring strong succession planning had been one of the priorities given to him by the Chief Minister when he began his term in 2024.

He said the public sector now had a clear strategy to invest in and develop its own staff, allowing them to compete for senior positions at the highest standards.

McLaughlin said he was pleased to hand over the role to Wylie, who he said had played an important part in helping the public service manage the transition to the new government.

Reflecting on his time in the position, McLaughlin described leading Jersey’s public service as a privilege and said it had been one of the “best jobs” on the island.