Katherine Kerswell is set to be appointed as Croydon Council’s new permanent chief executive.
Ms Kerswell has been in the role on an interim basis since September last year, helping the council navigate some of the most difficult financial challenges in its history.
As well as being instrumental in helping to stabilise the council’s finances and secure a capitalisation direction from the government, she has been working with the administration to develop and to deliver Croydon’s Renewal Plan to improve the council for residents and staff.
With organisational transformation, strong governance and providing affordable quality services at the heart of these plans, the focus is on creating a financially sustainable council for the future.
Ms Kerswell has been offered the permanent role following a rigorous recruitment process, including an external technical assessment, stakeholder panels and a cross-party appointments committee which took place on 25th May. The decision to offer Ms Kerswell the role was unanimous, reflecting the committee’s confidence in her ability. Her appointment must now be confirmed at Full Council in July.
“I’m delighted to be able to welcome Katherine to Croydon on a more permanent basis. Over the past eight months she has proven herself to be an exceptional chief executive who is helping to improve our council and the way we deliver services to our residents.
“Her determination to meet all challenges head on, her financial acumen and her passion for the borough and its people have been instrumental in helping us deliver the improvements we are making.
“Our focus now is on the road ahead and I believe the appointment of Katherine as our permanent chief executive gives us further stability to move forward and build on the progress we have made already.”
Councillor Hamida Ali, leader of the council
Councillor Jason Perry, leader of the opposition, said: “We are delighted to offer the chief executive role to Katherine. Her experience, expertise and strong leadership has been invaluable to the council in recent months. I look forward to continuing to work with her and her team.”
Ms Kerswell said: “I’m honoured that Croydon’s political leaders have put their faith in me to be the council’s permanent chief executive.
“The past year has been a very challenging one for the council and there are still some difficult times ahead, but we have come so far together and I couldn’t be happier that I will continue to be part of our improvement journey for this wonderful borough.
“There is much still to do to make sure Croydon is financially sustainable for the future but, despite these challenges, I know that by working together we can succeed and make a difference.”
