A search has begun for a new chief executive of City of York Council.
The council needs a new boss because Ian Floyd has announced his retirement.
Mr Floyd will step down at Easter next year giving plenty of time for his successor to be found.
He was made chief operating officer (COO) in 2020, after the council followed the recommendations of the Local Government Association and scrapped the role of chief executive.
That moved saved the authority about £95,000.
Now, though, the council will go back to a chief exec. “In practice the COO has operated as a chief executive as time and demands have evolved,” a report to next week’s staffing matters and urgency committee says.
“It is suggested that in terms of attraction, more applicants will be drawn to a chief executive role and title than a COO role, and there is greater chance of an experienced chief executive or deputy chief executive showing interest in a chief executive role.”
The chief exec’s salary is up to £172,308, plus a 2025 pay award which has yet to be announced. That’s about £8.8K more than a COO.
Significant challenges
A York council director since 2009, Mr Floyd was appointed COO during Covid in 2020.
A council spokesperson said he “has been instrumental in delivering transformational projects and guiding the council through significant challenges”
Council leader Claire Douglas said: “Ian has dedicated the last 17 years of his working life to York, including as head of paid service since 2019.
“He has provided calm, consistent and visionary leadership through periods of uncertainty and change.
“His commitment to public service, his support for staff, and his passion for the city have made a lasting impact. I thank him sincerely for his dedication and service.”
Ian Floyd said: “It has been a privilege to serve City of York Council and to work alongside so many talented and committed colleagues to deliver lasting improvements for the city.
From the adoption of our first Local Plan in decades, to the launch of the Combined Authority and the transformation of services for children and families, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.
“This decision is a personal one, and I’m making the announcement now to allow for a smooth transition.”