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EHDC Chief Executive departs after nearly six years

Thursday 23rd of April 2009

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East Hampshire District Council Chief Executive Will Godfrey has announced his resignation after nearly six years in the post. 

He will take up the position of Strategic Director (Resources) at Bristol City Council in July.

Mr Godfrey (44) joined the council in October 2003 from the Local Government Association in Wales, succeeding Philip Burton in EHDC's top role.

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He said: "It will inevitably be a real wrench to leave but I think it is the right time, both for me and the organisation, to have a change.

"I have really enjoyed working here, it is a great organisation and I think collectively we have achieved a lot over the last six years.

"All organisations need a change after a period of time. To get the best out of something you need people to come in and have a fresh look at it.

"Similarly individuals need to do different things during their careers and this role in Bristol is a really exciting opportunity for me. It's a different role that will broaden my experience."

EHDC Leader, Cllr Ferris Cowper, said Mr Godfrey had run the council skilfully during a vital and challenging period.

"It is with great regret that I have accepted Will Godfrey's resignation. He has been at EHDC for nearly six years and has moved the authority on greatly during his time with us. He has presided over the three year Council Tax freeze which has meant looking hard at all areas of council spending and made appropriate savings without jeopardising services. He has undertaken this challenge with commitment, sensitivity and skill and enabled our administration to achieve its goals.

"He has also shown great enthusiasm for the Council's vision for an Eco Town in Whitehill and Bordon and has worked hard to gain the support of the MoD and the Government. I wish him and his family the best of luck in his new position at Bristol."

After studying politics at Hull University and achieving an MBA at Durham University Mr Godfrey started work at Wycombe District Council, where he also trained as an accountant.

He worked for private accountancy firm KPMG, gathering knowledge of the private sector, before returning to public service with Oxford City Council and West Wiltshire District Council.

His position at the Local Government Association in Wales preceded his appointment as Chief Executive of East Hampshire District Council.