After years of high-profile departures, political rows and expensive recruitment exercises, the Government of Jersey has turned to one of its own to fill what is arguably the Island’s most scrutinised public sector role.
Paul Wylie, the current Chief Officer of the Cabinet Office and interim Deputy Chief Executive, has been appointed as Jersey’s next Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Andrew McLaughlin on 1 October.
His appointment ends months of speculation over who would replace Dr McLaughlin and marks a notable shift in approach compared to recent years: rather than launching another (inter)national search with the help of costly external firms, ministers have promoted an internal candidate who has already spent more than five years helping shape government policy.
So… who is Paul Wylie? Express explores…
A career in strategy, policing and immigration
Mr Wylie arrived in Jersey in February 2021 as Group Director of Policy before rising to become Chief Officer of the Cabinet Office – one of the government’s most influential departments, responsible for steering policy development, with a salary of £210-250,000 in 2025 – and later interim Deputy CEO.
Before moving to Jersey, he held several senior roles in the UK civil service.
READ MORE: THE COST OF RECRUITING A CEO…
He served as Director of Strategy for the Mayor of London’s Office for Policing and Crime, Director of Immigration Enforcement – leading almost 1,000 officers – and also worked as Private Secretary to the UK Home Secretary.
A first-class History BA graduate from the University of Southampton, his leadership credentials include graduating from the College of Policing’s Strategic Command Course (2016), the UK’s flagship programme for future chief constables.
In 2016, Mr Wylie was also selected for the UK Civil Service’s High Potential Talent Scheme, recognising him as one of the country’s top 50 senior civil servants with the potential to progress to the highest levels of government.
Meanwhile, away from work, a government statement explained that he plays hockey, has taken up surfing since moving to Jersey and also volunteers coaching local hockey teams.
“Continuity and stability”
Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said Mr Wylie’s appointment would provide “continuity and stability”.
“I would like to congratulate Paul on his appointment and look forward to working with him in his new role,” he said.
“Paul has significant public service experience both in the UK and Jersey, where he has been a key member of our senior leadership team since February 2021, during which time he has developed a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our Island.”
Senator Farnham added that it was “particularly pleasing that we have been able to appoint a candidate locally rather than recruit from off-island”.
“Paul has already been working with this Council of Ministers and the previous Government alongside the current Chief Executive Officer, so his appointment provides continuity and stability,” he said.
Outgoing CEO Dr Andrew McLaughlin explained that one of the objectives he had been given when taking on the role in 2023 – at the time on secondment from NatWest – was “to ensure strong succession planning”.
“We now have a clear strategy to invest in and develop our own staff so that they can compete at the highest standards,” Dr McLaughlin said.
“I am very pleased, therefore, to be passing the role to Paul, who has ably led the transition to the new Government as part of the succession plan. This is one of the best jobs in the Island and it has been a privilege to lead Jersey’s public service.”
Mr Wylie’s appointment was confirmed little under two months after Jersey’s general election.
Mr Wylie said that the “creation of a new Government means this is the right time to step up into this important role”.
He added that he was “honoured to have an opportunity to lead a public service of talented people who recognise the issues facing our Island and are determined to make a difference”.
A role with a turbulent recent history
While the appointment itself is straightforward, the office Mr Wylie is stepping into has been anything but.
The Government CEO role – which, according to the latest States Accounts, now commands a salary in excess of £300,000 – has rarely been out of the headlines over the past decade, with successive holders leaving amid political controversy, governance disputes or major organisational reform.
More recently, Andrew McLaughlin was appointed as interim CEO in 2023 after the resignation of Suzanne Wylie. A former NatWest executive who had lived in Jersey since 2015, Dr McLaughlin was brought in to focus on improving performance management and organisational culture before later extending his stay beyond the original interim period.
By appointing an internal successor, ministers appear to be signalling a desire for stability after a succession of changes at the top.
TIMELINE: Jersey’s government CEOs…
2003-2011 – Bill Ogley
Jersey’s first Chief Executive following the creation of the role.
2011-2012 – Interim period
2012-2017 – John Richardson
Previously served as interim before being appointed permanently.
2018-2021 – Charlie Parker
Oversaw the controversial OneGov reforms before resigning. Later received a £500,000 compromise agreement that attracted significant political scrutiny.
2021-2022 – Paul Martin (interim)
Brought in following Charlie Parker’s departure before returning to local government in England.
2022-2023 – Suzanne Wylie
Jersey’s first female Government CEO, who resigned after just over a year in post.
2023-2026 – Dr Andrew McLaughlin
Initially appointed on an interim basis from NatWest. In June 2024, it was confirmed he had been allowed to take on an NED role as Chair of the Board of the Bank of Gibraltar. It was later agreed that he would remain in the role until autumn 2026 to ensure “stability”.
From October 2026 – Paul Wylie
The first senior leader to emerge from the Government’s succession planning programme, becoming CEO after progressing through the Cabinet Office.
Read more in-depth…
FOCUS: Four CEOs in just over five years… a tale of controversy
Established in 2003, the role of the government’s Chief Executive currently boasts a £250,000 salary, but also appears to be plagued by political squabbles — with all three of Mrs Wylie’s permanent predecessors leaving the top job with compromise agreements that led to reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Join Express as we look back…
