Chief executive to step down after five and a half years at the helm (From Croydon Guardian)

Jon Rouse chief executive of Croydon Council is to step down after five and a half years at the helm

5:40pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News

The Council’s chief executive is leaving to take up a Director General role with the Department of Health.

Jon Rouse, 44, has accepted the post of Director General of Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships, he has been chief executive at Croydon Council for five and a half years.

Mr Rouse became Croydon’s sixth chief executive when he joined in 2007. He was previously the chief executive at both the Housing Corporation and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.

He has been involved with a number of organisations in non-executive position including English Partnerships and Homelessness International.

Mr Rouse was appointed to the board of the Department of Health in 2009, where he also served on the audit committee.

The 44-year-old said it had been a difficult decision to make and said he will always have a great affection for Croydon.

He said: “Over the last five and half years I have been privileged to serve alongside some very talented and committed colleagues, elected members and residents, who have dedicated themselves to transforming the borough.

“I have been inspired by their creativity and compassion in addressing some of the challenges we have faced.”

Mr Rouse added: “From a personal perspective, while I am looking forward to taking on this new challenge, the decision to move on has been tremendously difficult. I will be extremely sad to leave but will always have a great affection for Croydon and its residents.

“There are many exciting things happening in Croydon over the coming years and I have full confidence that the management of the authority is in good hands.”

Coun Mike Fisher, leader of the council, said: “I am very pleased for Jon who will make an excellent Director General at the Department of Health.

“Jon has been an outstanding servant of Croydon and during his tenure I have admired his first-rate leadership qualities and his passion for serving the public.

“We will miss him hugely, and wish him well for the future.”

An announcement on the interim arrangements for the chief executive position will be made shortly.