Coventry City Council has appointed Chris Hinde as it's new legal eagle.

Mr Hinde, 46, will join Coventry Council's senior management team from Hackney Borough Council where he currently holds the post of Director of Law and Probity. He will take up his new position as City Secretary in August.

Mr Hinde said of his appointment:

"I am excited at the prospect of working for such a dynamic and forward-looking authority as Coventry and being part of the determination to make Coventry a better place to live, work and do business"

City Council leader Nick Nolan welcomed the appointment:

"Chris's experience can only benefit Coventry City Council. He has worked for five London authorities and has a clear understanding of the needs, demands and challenges facing modern cities.

"At Hackney he developed a well respected and cost effective legal service and I am confident that under his direction Coventry's legal service will continue to service the city council and the people of Coventry to an exemplary standard."

During his career at Hackney, which began in 1992 as Director of Legal Services, Mr Hinde has negotiated a number of high profile and complex partnerships which have contributed to the regeneration of the inner city, including private finance initiatives and property agreements bringing about the redevelopment of council estates. He was also responsible for the introduction of a new ethical framework within the authority.

Prior to working at Hackney Mr Hinde held a number of legal posts with the London boroughs of Haringey, Hounslow, Hillingdon and Westminster. He graduated with a law degree from Durham University in 1976.

Mr Hinde was born in London but lives in Rugby. His hobbies include hot air ballooning.