Deborah Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s development manager for Wichelstowe, is to become interim chief executive officer for economic regeneration company Forward Swindon.
She will take up the role on November 3 and stay in the post until a permanent chief executive has been recruited. 
Ms Heenan brings specialist knowledge and skills in housing, development and urban policy in both the public and private sector to the role, Forward Swindon said.
The vacancy has been sparked by the resignation last month of Ian Piper, who held the position for nearly four years. Mr Piper is joining the Home and Communities Agency in a national role.
Forward Swindon was set up by Swindon Council in 2010. It is funded by the council but is run independently with a private sector-led board. Last year it helped to realise more than £70m of private investment into the town.
Forward Swindon said its board members, along with 100% shareholder Swindon Council, had agreed it was important for the company to be supported by an experienced person to oversee its current delivery plan while the recruit process for the permanent position was underway.
Mr Piper was himself an interim chief executive at Forward Swindon when he joined in September 2010 following resignation of former chief executive Karen Walker. He was later given the role on a permanent basis.
