JENNY Rowlands has won the race to become the new chief executive of Camden Council. She will replace the retiring Mike Cooke.

A press release will no doubt be issued soon but here’s the text of an email sent by council leader Georgia Gould to councillors explaining the appointment.

Good afternoon,

I am delighted to tell you that Jenny Rowlands was yesterday recommended for appointment as Chief Executive of Camden Council. Full Council will be asked to approve this recommendation at their meeting on 21 January 2019 and Jenny will take over the role in March.

Jenny will be a familiar face to many of you already, having been with Camden since August 2016 as Executive Director for Supporting Communities.

We are very fortunate to be able to appoint someone of Jenny’s calibre. She has extensive experience of leading and inspiring staff, of transforming services and of involving communities in our work. This stood out clearly during the recruitment process and will be key to us delivering Camden’s priorities through Our Camden Plan.

I’m also delighted to announce that Martin Pratt has been recommended for appointment as Deputy Chief Executive. Martin has been at the forefront of leading innovation in people’s services nationally, transforming our children’s and adult services to focus on prevention and the strengths of our communities.

I am really proud to have such a dynamic and experienced leadership team taking Camden into the future and we are committed to working with our residents to bring Camden 2025, our ambitious community led vision to life.

I’d like to thank Mike Cooke for the excellent work he has done during his seven years as Chief Executive. Jenny will inherit a modern, progressive organisation with strong values and Mike will be on hand over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

I am sure you will join me in congratulating Jenny, and also Martin, who I know are very much looking forward to working with you in their new roles this year.

Georgia

Georgia Gould
Leader of Camden Council

Cllr Gould had previously said in a video job advert that Camden was looking for ‘an inspirational yet humble’ leader for the council workforce.