Council chief exec to step down

Chief executive of Newcastle City Council Barry Rowland will leave the organisation at the end of August by mutual agreement after 33 years of service.

Barry joined the council as a management trainee in 1979 and 30 years later was proud to be appointed as Chief Executive in 2009. He has overseen a council-wide transformation programme that has delivered savings of over £222m over the last five years.

Mr Rowland said, “I have enjoyed my time at the city and leave a strong council which is now one of the best in the country. A council that provides excellent services, with excellent staff, which serves its community well.

“The council has forged strong and productive relationships with its partners, public, private and third sector. Despite the recession in recent years the city has grown in confidence and has demonstrated that it can now punch its weight. I have no doubt the city will continue to build on firm foundations, with an active council and institutions that demonstrate a civic commitment co-operating in partnership as part of Team Newcastle.

“I leave with mixed feelings, sad that I won’t be part of the city’s life in the same way in the future, but excited by the prospect of pursuing new opportunities and fresh challenges.

“I hope in my time I have made a small difference. I wish everyone at the council well.”

Leader of Newcastle City Council Nick Forbes said, “The council and the city owe a debt of gratitude to Barry Rowland, he has committed over 30 years of his life to public service and in particular Newcastle City Council.

"Under his leadership the council has improved significantly and the city has seen a major programme of public sector investment.

"He leaves a legacy of a high performing council and a confident city with a thriving community. He is well respected both inside and outside the council, across the region and beyond.  He will be missed by staff, councillors and partners. I wish him well and every success in the future.

“Our recent external Peer Challenge has set out some of the big issues we face. We will now begin the search for a new Chief Executive to help us respond radically to unprecedented challenges in the years ahead.”

The post of chief executive is expected to be advertised in September. In the meantime the council’s executive director of adult and cultural services Ewen Weir has been appointed acting chief executive.