The Chief Executive of Derby City Council, Paul Simpson, has announced that he will be stepping down from his role in the coming weeks. 

Paul Simpson, who is from Derby, began his career with the City Council back in 1991, when he joined as a Trainee Accounting Technician. He rejoined the organisation as Strategic Director of Corporate Resources and Deputy Chief Executive in 2019.

He was appointed as Chief Executive in 2020, after the retirement of former Chief Executive Carole Mills, just three days before the first national COVID-19 lockdown. Paul is leaving to take up a new role at East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Paul Simpson said: 

It has been a huge privilege to serve my home city. This was not an easy decision, but I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.

When I was appointed as Chief Executive in 2020, just three days before the first national lockdown, none of us could have predicted the challenges ahead. Leading the organisation through an unprecedented national crisis was a testament to the dedication and resilience of my colleagues, who worked tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable.

We’ve done some fantastic work over the past few years and I’m happy to be leaving Derby in a better place having set balanced budgets and replenished our reserves to put us on a financially resilient footing.

Some recent highlights include our outstanding ratings for our Children’s Social Care and Youth Justice Services, which is a testament to the hard work of our colleagues. We’ve also facilitated major investments from SmartParc, Vaillant, and Getinge in the city, and secured Derby as the permanent home of Great British Railways.

I was born and bred in Derby, and while it is difficult to say goodbye to the place where I started my career, I feel this is the right moment for me to hand over the reins. By stepping down at this stage, I want to give the Council the space it needs to build a new leadership structure and ensure everything stays on track as we move through Local Government Reorganisation.

I leave behind a talented and dedicated team, and I have no doubt that Derby will continue to thrive and deliver on its ambitious plans for the future.

Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Leader of the Derby City Council, said:

We are grateful for Paul's contribution and commitment over the past six years. Taking on the role just before the global pandemic presented significant challenges. Paul led the Council through this time, alongside members and partners, working hard to navigate those pressures.

Together, we have seen Derby City Council return to financial stability and improved service performance, reflecting the collective efforts of officers and elected members. Derby is now in a stronger position - more resilient and forward-looking, firmly on the map in key sectors such as industry and rail. Local Government never sits still; from EMCCA to Local Government Reorganisation, we thank Paul for steering the ship.

We wish him every success in his new role at East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

The Council will be appointing an Interim Chief Executive in the coming weeks.