Nicole Wood has been the Chief Executive of Essex County Council (ECC) since February 2025. She is leading the council through a once-in-a-generation Local Government Reorganisation as part of the Priority Programme for LGR and Devolution.

Nicole has a deep passion for Essex and ECC, having contributed to its improvement and transformation across various services over many years. She takes immense pride in Essex's numerous achievements and accolades – not least its national excellence in Children’s services and being in the top 3 most productive councils in the country (Impower Index).

Nicole joined ECC in 2008, bringing with her valuable experience from Hackney, the Audit Commission, and Oldham Council. Throughout her tenure at ECC, she has held multiple roles, steadily advancing her career through both ‘front facing’ and corporate roles. She has further spent nearly 3 years as a commissioner appointed by the Secretary of State for support at Thurrock Council, helping them on their improvement journey.