Paul Matthews has served as Chief Executive of Monmouthshire County Council since May 2009, when he became the youngest Chief Executive in Wales. He has led the organisation through significant change, championing innovation, fairness and flexibility while preparing the council for the opportunities and challenges ahead. 

Before joining Monmouthshire, Paul Matthews held several senior roles at Torfaen County Borough Council, including Deputy Chief Executive, Strategic Director of Communities and Deputy Director of Education. He also served in interim statutory officer roles for Education and Social Services.

Alongside his local government leadership, Paul Matthews is Lead Council Chief Executive for the Cardiff Capital Region and serves as a member of its Investment Board. Paul was appointed Chair and Executive Director of CCR Energy in December 2025. Paul is a Visiting Professor in Economic Geography at Cardiff University, a Governor of Cardiff Metropolitan University where he chairs the Governance and Nominations Committee, and a board member of the Wales Centre for Public Policy. 

Paul was elected a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales in 2025 in recognition of his contribution to public service. He is the only Council CEO to be awarded this honour. He also serves on the boards of SOLACE Wales, where he leads the Economy portfolio, SRS Digital Wales and acts as Chief Executive to the Lord Lieutenancy of Gwent.