A new interim chief executive has been appointed at Croydon Council. Following a cross-party appointments committee meeting this morning, Katherine Kerswell will take up the role from Monday (September 14).
Katherine comes to Croydon having most recently been the interim chief executive at Nottingham City Council, where she helped develop a new in-year budget and managed the Covid-19 response. As well as having over 15 years’ experience as chief executive at several large local authorities, she was the first director general to have responsibility for civil service reform at the Cabinet Office.
“We welcome Katherine to Croydon and look forward to working with her in the coming months.
“Katherine brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of delivering for local communities. She will provide clear and steady leadership to help us through our financial challenges and Covid-19 recovery, and help to set strong foundations to deliver our priorities for the future.
“Katherine will work with members, officers and partners on this very challenging phase for Croydon as we look to recover from the pandemic and manage the significant impact on our finances while supporting our communities and our most vulnerable residents.”
Councillor Tony Newman, leader of the council
Katherine Kerswell said: “I’m really pleased to have this opportunity to join Croydon Council as its interim chief executive. Like many local authorities across the country Croydon is facing unprecedented challenges; taking on significant extra responsibilities as part of the Covid-19 response while maintaining those essential public services on which so many depend.
“I look forward to working closely with Croydon’s members, staff, partners and residents as we meet these challenges head-on, making sure we continue to support our communities, while working to create a sustainable future for Croydon.”
