Leeds City Council has announced that it will appoint its new Chief Executive in November, after the role being held in the interim since September.
Set to be formally appointed by the full council next month, Ed Whiting OBE has been recommended for the role by the employment committee. Whiting is currently the Director of Cities and Local Growth at the Department for Business and Trade and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government – based in Leeds – and is already at the leading edge of place-based economic growth partnerships.
This role sees him working alongside the UK Mayors, and other leaders to achieve key growth goals.
Speaking about his recommendation for the role, Whiting said:
“I’m over the moon to be recommended to full council as our next chief executive. I love Leeds and am excited to be part of the next chapter of our city’s story. Through the recruitment process I’ve enjoyed getting to know Team Leeds better, and have been impressed with the dedication across our council team and partners, and the strong shared commitment to do their best for all Leeds residents.
“I’m looking forward to joining the team as we work together on both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our brilliant city.”
Prior to his current position, Whiting has also held senior roles within the civil service, at both His Majesty’s Treasury and 10 Downing Street, as well as being the Director of Strategy at charitable foundation Wellcome. That role saw him leading the development of a new organizational strategy, alongside being the executive sponsor for equality, diversity and inclusion.
Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, added:
“Throughout the extensive recruitment and selection process, Ed’s understanding of Leeds, our collective city ambitions, our values, our challenges and ideas for the future made him the best candidate for the role. I am looking forward to working with Ed as we move forward with our positive vision for the future, one which recognises the amazing strengths and opportunities we have and focuses on tackling poverty and inequality, whilst delivering high-quality public services for everyone who lives and works in our city.”
Once his appointment is formally approved, Whiting is expected to join the council next year. In the period until then, interim Chief Executive Mariana Pexton will remain in the position that she was appointed to last month, as she became Leeds’ first female Chief Executive.
Image credit: Leeds City Council