Paul Najsarek has announced he is to step down as Ealing LBC chief executive at Christmas after nearly six years in the post.
Mr Najsarek arrived at the London borough in February 2016 following a short stint as Bolton MBC chief and subsequently built a national profile as the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives & Senior Managers’ health and social care spokesman.
“I have mixed emotions about leaving Ealing, a borough I have loved, but this felt like the right time to be moving on to new challenges now that the worst aspects of the Covid pandemic seem to have passed,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to work with so many excellent people: our great community, council staff, my senior management team, members of the council and all of our brilliant partners.”
Mr Najsarek expressed pride in the council’s delivery of a large affordable housing programme, and the creation of council companies overseeing waste and housing.
“I would also like to pay tribute to our staff, members and the community for the way they responded to the Covid pandemic during the most demanding time in our history,” he said.
“I believe that through our efforts we not only helped protect our community but put measures in place to help it thrive in the future.”
Council leader Peter Mason (Lab) said: “Paul has been a leading figure in the West London Alliance, supporting the delivery of Good Jobs for the borough and beyond.
“He played a big part in the response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy and he helped build excellent relationships with the NHS throughout the Covid pandemic, as well as taking a leading role in the London response.
“All of this was achieved at a time of austerity and a big reduction in government funding, despite which Paul has kept the council stable, despite the turbulence.
“I know Paul will be missed by councillor colleagues, the staff who hold him in high regard and our partners throughout the Ealing community and beyond.”
An interim chief is expected to be appointed at a full council meeting on 14 December.
https://www.lgcplus.com/politics/workforce/najsarek-to-leave-ealing-at-christmas-11-11-2021/
