Paul Coen was born in the North East of England. He graduated from Manchester University in 1977 with a BA in Government. Paul’s career began as a graduate trainee with British Coal, where he spent 13 years in purchasing and contract management.
Paul joined local government in 1990 as Director of Commercial Services with Hertfordshire County Council, where he developed a more commercial approach in the management of the Council’s services. His early successes led to his appointment initially as Director of Business Services and later Deputy Chief Executive of Hertfordshire County Council.

Paul joined Surrey County Council as Chief Executive in October 1995 and led the Council through a fundamental review of all its services, leading to a sustained improvement of the Council’s financial position and service performance. He also initiated a major investment in leadership development (Impact) and introduced Workstyle, a programme to support a new working culture, with flexible working, new technology, and better use of accommodation, which has attracted national media attention.

Paul joined Essex County Council as Chief Executive on 1 January 2005 and at the end of 2005 Essex County Council was awarded four stars by the Audit Commission in the Comprehensive Performance Assessment.
Paul joined the Local Government Association as Chief Executive in mid June 2006.
Paul is married with four adult children and three grandchildren.