AFTER 16 months as temporary chief executive of Croydon Council, Nathan Elvery is to get the job on a permanent basis.
Mr Elvery has held the interim post since February last year, when he took over from Jon Rouse. Since then he has played a leading part in delivering major opportunities for Croydon, including approval for the £1bn regeneration of the town centre, securing the largest funding allocation for school building in the country and leading the Gold Command in helping to avert a flooding crisis in the borough earlier in the year.
Mr Elvery, 45, joined the council as director of finance in 2004.
He became executive director of resources and customer services in 2008, and was also appointed deputy chief executive in the same year.
Mr Elvery has extensive local government experience and has held previous roles with Westminster City Council, the Greater London Authority and district government.
He will be confirmed as chief executive, subject to approval, by full council at its next meeting on Tuesday, July 15.
Councillor Tony Newman, leader of the council, said: "We feel Nathan is the right person to help steer this borough through the challenges ahead and has already been instrumental in helping us to implement the changes we want to make in our Ambitious for Croydon agenda for the people of our borough.
"He supports the interests of Croydon, sharing our ambition to make this council more open and transparent, and to tackle the inequalities we see in our communities."
Cllr Newman added: "It is testament to Nathan's talents and ability that both political sides of the council unanimously backed this appointment, recognising the excellent job he has been doing over these past 15 months.
"We're delighted to have him as chief executive of the council."
Mr Elvery said: "There are exciting times for Croydon and we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead the way in securing homes, jobs and a strong economic future for all residents of the borough.
"We face a series of major challenges but I am confident that the political leadership of the council is bold and ambitious and I am looking forward to working with the new administration.
"It will be my job to support the members of this council in lobbying central government to get a better deal for the people who live and work in Croydon.
"I'm passionate about Croydon and proud to be appointed chief executive of this council".
