Essex County Council has announced a reshuffle that will see a new cabinet position created to oversee pothole repairs.
The shake-up, coming into effect from September 1, will see council leader David Finch, give up his due role of the finance portfolio, to be taken over by John Spence.
Other changes include creating a new councillor specifically to sort out potholes and road defects, leaving Cllr Rodney Bass to oversee major highways projects.
Highway maintenance and "small scheme delivery" will now come under the remit of Cllr Eddie Johnson of Harlow South.
Last month the authority announced a £17.5 million war chest to fix the 700 worst roads in the county.
Cllr Finch said: "I want to pay tribute for the dedication and service of all of those who are leaving the cabinet. In a high pressure role they have worked tirelessly for the people of Essex and deserve our thanks.
"The changes I have announced today will bring fresh thinking to help us face head-on the huge challenges ahead of us and make the tough choices we may need to solve them.
"Essex residents can rest assured we will continue to listen to their views before making these decisions, but we will not shirk from them if they need to be made.
"Our focus remains on economic growth, health and wellbeing for stronger communities, and reforming public services to deliver better value for money while protecting vulnerable people."
Dedham councillor Anne Brown will take over from Ann Naylor as social care, health and wellbeing portfolio holder.
"I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve Essex residents and I look forward to carrying on working for the community. In cabinet roles leading adults social care and public health, I have worked hard with colleagues to tackle some of our big problem areas," said Cllr Ann Naylor.
"However, as well as the difficult decisions, it has been my privilege to work on fantastic events such as the Tour de France coming to Essex and on the development of our Olympic legacy."
Cllr for Stanway and deputy leader Kevin Bentley, currently responsible for economic growth, has also taken on the waste and recycling that was held by Great Notley's Roger Walters.
But Cllr Bentley will no longer be deputy leader, as that will be taken over by Anthony Jackson from Epping.
Cllr Roger Walters said: "Leading ECC's work on exposing and prosecuting rogue traders has helped keep residents safe, and I am delighted to be able to continue that work away from cabinet.
"I am also proud of the partnerships I have developed during my time in cabinet, and trust they will keep working to deal responsibly with the growing challenge of dealing with our waste and keeping the environment green."
John Jowers, member for Mersea and Tiptree, has stepped down as cabinet member for libraries, that will now be overseen by Cllr Roger Hirst.
Cllr John Jowers said: "I am proud to leave the cabinet as a cabinet member who has opened new libraries. In the course of my work I have met thousands of community activists and representatives and I should like to pay tribute to them and the work they are doing to help strengthen our communities."
