Leader informs councillors that CEX is to depart next year

The Chief Executive said that she had fulfilled her five year commitment to Southwark which was made when she joined in 2006 and informed the Leader that she also now wished to explore new work opportunities and spend more time on personal interests and family.

She said that she felt privileged to have worked with councillors and staff to move forward on an ambitious modernisation programme that has saved the council millions, delivered a complicated regeneration agenda, including the deals at Potters Fields, the Elephant and Castle and the vital Building Schools for the Future programme to help improve the life chances of young people in the borough.

Her announcement that she will be leaving is being made this week to allow for plenty of time to make planned handover arrangements and it has been agreed that she will leave the Council in May 2012.

Chief Executive, Annie Shepperd, said:

"I would like to say an enormous thank you and pay tribute to the councillors and staff that I have had the privilege to work with since I arrived, and will continue to serve the borough to the best of my abilities until I leave. This is a job I have loved doing and given heart and soul to and it is with some sadness that I have taken this decision. But I am also looking forward to new opportunities in work and in life. As a resident of the borough I am pleased I will be able to watch this Council go from strength to strength, even in these challenging financial times. It really is a special place with many wonderful people from all walks of life."

Cllr Peter John, Leader, said: "On behalf of the Cabinet and everyone at Southwark Council, I would like to pay tribute to the contribution that Annie has made in serving this borough and helping us to deliver our priorities. On a personal level, I have enjoyed working with her very much and admire the enthusiasm she brings to the role. I would like, on behalf of the borough, to wish her the very best for the next exciting chapter of her life and to say that she will be missed by many in Southwark. We have no immediate plans for recruitment as we have plenty of time to consider what is best for the Council and I already have a review of senior management structures underway. But, as before, our focus will remain on working hard with senior managers and all staff to deliver a fairer future for all."