Shock resignation of Council CEO: Top management in disarray?

5.30 pm 26^th May 2022 Epsom and Ewell Borough Council announced the departure in July of its Chief Executive Officer, Kathryn Beldon, following her decision “that this is the time for a new chapter in [my] life.” Ms Beldon joined the Council in 2014 as the Director of Finance and Resources before being appointed as the Chief Executive in April 2017.

Epsom and Ewell Times has seen evidence that in fact, the current CEO’s last working day in office will be in just 11 days’ time on June 6th and that the current Director of Corporate Services, Jackie King, will “take on some of [the CEO’s] responsibilities on an interim basis whilst the longer-term arrangements are determined.”

Councillor Hannah Dalton, Chair of the Residents’ Association Majority Group said, “It is with regret that Kathryn will be leaving Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. As Chief Executive, Kathryn has led many initiatives including the development of the borough’s Future 40 vision and more recently she has been pivotal in the borough council meeting the immense challenges presented by COVID-19”.

“Kathryn has led the organisation to support our community and has worked with councillors and our partners to deliver plans to benefit residents and local businesses. She has risen to meet many challenges and leaves the organisation in a strong position for the future.”

Ms Beldon said: “It has been a privilege to work for Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. The last few years have been a period of exceptional challenge and I am deeply grateful for the commitment and dedication of colleagues who have worked so hard to support our residents and businesses during these unprecedented times. With a clear vision and plan for the future, I wish members and officers well as I move on to the next chapter.”

The loss of the CEO follows the departure of a number of Departmental Heads following re-organisations over the course of the last two years. Will the Council now be able to attract a dynamic Chief Executive and how long will the process take?