Matt has worked in local government for over thirty years and is Chief Executive of Dorset Council. He has a wide experience within local government focused on transformation and partnerships.

Passionate about ensuring council services are focused on the customer, Matt puts great emphasis on supporting elected members, developing employees and communities whilst transforming council services through positive cultures.

Chairman of the Dorset Chief Executives Group (2015 - 2019) he was Executive Programme Sponsor for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Dorset. In 2020 Matt along with colleague Chief Executive, Graham Farrant (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council), led the successful bid to win LGC’s Business Transformation Award, for the creation of the two unitary councils.

Matt was elected as President of SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives & Senior Managers) from January 2023 to December 2024. SOLACE represents over 1600 Chief Executives and Senior Officers in local government.