Our Chief Executive, Gavin Jones, has confirmed he will be retiring from his role next spring. Gavin has led the county council for the past 8 years, having joined from Swindon Council. Prior to this, he had a career in the aviation industry.
Gavin leaves a successful legacy in Essex. Under his leadership, the council has, among other things:
· achieved an Outstanding rating for its children’s services
· introduced major infrastructure to the county, including the Chelmsford North rail station
· tackled inequality through the opening of community supermarkets
· encouraged new investment and businesses in some of the county’s most deprived areas
· continued a strong track record of financial management
He has also served for the past two years as a government-appointed lead commissioner for two councils – Thurrock and Slough. It is anticipated he will continue with these roles.
Gavin said: “I thought when I arrived in Essex I had been appointed to lead the best council in the best county in the country – and that’s still my firm and honest view.
“I will have served this fantastic place for nearly ten years when I retire, which has been by far the most challenging but rewarding and enriching experience of my professional life.
“You can’t achieve anything in a place as large and diverse and Essex without others, and the real joy of my time here has been the Members, leaders, teams and individuals I have met, worked with and supported at the council and across the county and more widely. We’ve created a culture of partnership in Essex which I hope will endure and has and will continue to add significant value.
“In Essex we have a proud track record of providing class-leading care and support for the young, old and vulnerable, as well as enhancing our economy and environment, creating a place people can be proud to call home.
"This has been the best job in the country and it is an enormous wrench to leave, but I am proud to be leaving things as they are for my successor, who will be leading an enviable organisation.”
Leader of Essex County Council, Councillor Kevin Bentley, said: “Gavin is an outstanding chief executive and public servant leader who has worked incredibly hard in his time at Essex with our member, officers, and partners to create a county we can all be proud of.
“Our services were and remain the envy of many councils, and Gavin’s own work to support the sector, alongside many colleagues from across ECC, stands as an enduring testament to the quality of our council and Gavin’s leadership of it.
“Essex has made great strides under his leadership – not least in developing a whole system approach to some of the most difficult, complex and enduring challenges facing it. Gavin has driven forward the council’s Everyone’s Essex plan with tenacity, and his customary energy, drive and passion for the difference which public services can make will be very much missed.
“I would like to personally thank him for his contribution, knowing that, thanks to the Leadership team he has built and our ability to work productively with partners including the Government, Essex will be in good hands going forward.”
A recruitment process will begin in the New Year to find Gavin’s successor.