Birmingham City Council chief executive Dawn Baxendale is departing to take up a new post at Christchurch City Council in New Zealand after just over a year in post.
The departure follows the announcement that the authority is embarking on the next stage of its improvement programme in a bid to avoid a full government intervention.
Council leader, Cllr Ian Ward, said Birmingham had 'made significant steps forward' under Ms Baxendale.
Ms Baxendale is said to be moving to New Zealand for 'lifestyle reasons'.
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