Hackney’s chief executive has made the surprise announcement that she is to retire after nearly two-and-a-half years in the job.
Penny Thompson announced that she is planning to retire from the council in May once she has completed a handover to Tim Shields will take over as interim chief executive. He is currently Corporate Director of Finance & Resources.
Speaking exclusively to LocalGov.co.uk, Thompson revealed she had been considering the move for some time and that she is currently considering her next move.
She said: “I feel very proud of what I have achieved during my time at Hackney. It has been a privilege to lead such talented and committed staff and to work with such a high calibre Mayor and partners. I believe that I am leaving Hackney in a strong position from which it can move forward and I wish Hackney well.”
When Thompson joined the authority in January 2005 it was a basket-case that had been rocked by political, managerial and financial chaos. She has been credited as a key figure in turning the council around: it is now a two star authority with prospects for improvement.
The Audit Commission praised Hackney for having ‘established effective leadership at a senior level’.
Jules Pipe, Hackney’s elected Mayor said “I should like to pay tribute to the work that Penny has done for Hackney during her time as Chief Executive. She has refreshed our Local Strategic Partnership and built strong and lasting relationships with all our partners. Her restructure of the Council leaves us with a strong top team to take the Council forward towards 2012. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the Council has been outstanding and we wish her well for the future.”
