Mark Barrow

Mark was born in Shrewsbury and lives in Whitchurch.

In his role he is responsible for a wide range of council services, including economic growth, highways and transport, planning, waste and recycling, libraries and museums.

Mark joined Shropshire Council from leading private sector consultancy, Arcadis where he led their public sector work across the Midlands and northern England. His previous positions include the Strategic Director for Development & Culture at Birmingham City Council and Chief Executive of Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council.

He also led the establishment and management of the Greater Birmingham Local Enterprise Partnership, helping to lay the foundations for the West Midlands Combined Authority.  He was previously a Non-Executive Director of Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

A Chartered Building Surveyor by profession, Mark started his career with the former Shropshire County Council, before developing his career at various city, county and borough councils across the UK.

Mark is a Visiting Professor: Urban Policy & Development at Birmingham City University and is an Associate of the Local Government Information Unit for whom he regularly authors ‘briefing’ papers across the public sector.

Married with two daughters, he has also authored numerous articles in the local government press and has spoken at a number of national events on various infrastructure, development and economic matters.