Resignation of Chief Executive

Eden Lee, Chief Executive of Hertsmere Borough Council, has today, 10 October, announced his decision to resign from the authority.

Mr Lee joined the council in late 1997 and after 10 years with Hertsmere – just over two of these as Chief Executive – and a total of 34 years in local government he has decided to leave the council for personal/family reasons and to allow him to take his career in a different direction.

Mr Lee said: “The council has achieved much in the past few years and I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to make an important contribution, both in terms of improved management and performance for the council and in the delivery of improved services.

“I am particularly proud of the leadership of the elected members and the hard work by the council staff’s efforts to continue to improve our service. This has enabled the organisation to deliver the council’s political objective to improve the quality of life for the people of Hertsmere.

“I wish them every success for the future and I am confident that the council will soon be formally recognised as the excellent authority it is.”

Councillor Morris Bright, Leader of the Council, said: “Eden Lee was a strong force at Hertsmere Borough Council and the impact of his decade of service here will continue to be felt in the years ahead. The changes he introduced and oversaw had the express intention of improving the quality of life for residents and for these improvements we express our thanks.”

The process to recruit a new Chief Executive will now begin, but as with any recruitment exercise, this is likely to take some time and it is not expected that this position will be filled until next year.

During Mr Lee’s absence, Director of Resources Sajida Bijle has acted as Chief Executive, and this arrangement will continue until a formal appointment is made.