Cornwall Council Chief Executive confirms he has accepted new role in New Zealand

Last updated: 24/12/2012 Add to My Bookmarks Subscribe

Cornwall Council Chief Executive Kevin Lavery has confirmed that he will be leaving the authority at the end of March to take up a new role as the Chief Executive of Wellington City Council.

Announcing he had formally accepted the post, Mr Lavery said “this was a very difficult decision to make as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as the Chief Executive of Cornwall Council and am sorry to be leaving the authority and Cornwall.

“When I was appointed in November 2008, the new unitary Council was facing a number of challenges. I said then that I wanted to build a distinctive Council that reflected Cornwall’s proud heritage and culture. A Council that was delivering high quality services and great value for money and which was meeting the needs of local residents.

“Four years later I am proud to say that, despite the additional challenges created by the financial situation, we are well on the way to achieving this aim and I am confident that we have the right foundations in place to create a bright future for the Council and for Cornwall.

“I will be taking up my new role at the end of March and over the next few weeks will be working with Members and the leadership team to make the necessary arrangements for the transition.

Council Leader Jim Currie said while he was personally sad that Mr Lavery was leaving the authority, he wanted to thank him for his hard work and commitment over the past four years.

“When Kevin was appointed as the first Chief Executive of the new unitary Council, many described his role as an impossible task. However he has successfully led the authority through the unitary process and the consequences of the dire economic situation into which we have been plunged.

“He is a towering figure who has not been afraid to make difficult decisions.  However, while he will undoubtedly be missed, he has left behind a strong management team and an experienced and knowledgeable set of elected Members.”