News Release

Council chief exec steps down

Chief Executive, David Petford, is stepping down to enjoy a well earned retirement after ten years as head of Maidstone council’s paid service.

Mr Petford will be leaving the council on 7 June as part of a planned downsizing of the council’s senior management team.

Recently the council announced it was making savings of £700,000 in its staff budgets, following public consultation on its budget for 2010-11.  This latest restructure will reduce the Council’s directorates from 3 to 2 and will save a further £220,000 a year.

The council’s new Chief Executive will be selected from one of the existing directors – David Edwards, Director of Change and Environmental Services, Alison Broom, Director of Prosperity and Regeneration or Zena Cooke, Director of Resources and Partnerships.

David Petford explains:  “All three of the directors have been appointed in the last couple of years.  We knew that I would be reaching retirement age in 2010 so on each occasion we went to get someone with the capabilities and skills to become Chief Executive.  I know I will be leaving the council in safe hands and in great shape to continue to deliver first class services to the people of Maidstone.”

When the new Chief Executive is appointed, the council will go from a Chief Executive and three directors to a Chief Executive and a new structure built around two directors.

Council Leader, Chris Garland explains:  “This planned succession will allow the new Chief Executive to build a new leaner structure around two directors.”

Chris Garland took the chance to congratulate David Petford on his achievements as Chief Executive and before that as a council director.  “During David’s time the Council has been recognised as a top performing council in Kent and nationally.  Maidstone has prospered with new developments such as Fremlin Walk and the council has cut costs and improved services with achievements such as the new Maidstone Gateway.”

Date:

March 9, 2010

Ref:

RJA/100305