He is set to take over from David Blake as the council’s head of paid service at the start of April. Mr Griffiths, currently the council’s corporate director for operations, homes and communities, will be recommended for appointment to the role by full council when it meets on February 24. Current managing director David Blake announced in October that he would be retiring in March. He said it had been “an absolute privilege and honour to have been managing director” and an “incredibly difficult decision” to step down. “Lloyd has the mix of skills and experiences that the city council will need to lead us through local government reorganisation, as well as ensuring that we continue to deliver excellent services to the residents and businesses of our city and complete key capital projects.