Two leading chief executives are quitting their councils for a change in career. Islington LBC chief executive, Helen Bailey, has said she will be leaving within the next six months. A search to find her successor will start shortly, and a new chief executive should be appointed by the summer. ‘It feels like the right time for me to move on,' she said. ‘And I have decided to make an announcement now, so the council can begin the process of finding a successor.' And it's all change at Leicester City Council with the announcement that chief executive, Rodney Green, is leaving after 12 years in the post. Mr Green has been with the council since 1996, and adult and housing corporate director, Mike Forrester, who is also leaving, has been with the local authority for 15 years. ‘I have spent almost one-third of my working life as chief executive of Leicester City Council,' said Mr Green. ‘I now feel it is time for me to move on to the challenge of life outside Leicester, to allow the new administration to take new directions.' Deputy chief executive, Sheila Lock, will temporarily take over the role of top officer. A council spokesman said no retirement date had been set, and other interim management arrangements were currently being discussed. There had been speculation in the local press that Mr Green's relationship with council leader, Ross Wilmott, was strained. Will Tuckley has been appointed as new chief executive at Bexley LBC, and is expected to start in April. Mr Tuckley is currently deputy chief executive and director of policy and corporate services at Croydon LBC. ‘My role will be to provide clear leadership and encouragement for new ideas, ‘ he said.
