Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council Managing Director John Sampson will retire from his post this autumn.
Mr Sampson, who has served in the top role for six years, has worked at the authority for more than 16 years.
He has guided the council through some significant challenges. Months after being appointed as Managing Director, the council was hit by a criminal cyber-attack in February 2020.
The following month, the country went into lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw the council support all residents, and particularly those who were vulnerable and needed help with items such as food packages.
Since the country’s lockdowns ended, the council has experienced huge demand for its services, particularly in social care for vulnerable children and adults. This, along with a period of very high inflation, has meant the council – along with others across the country – have faced significant financial challenges.
Mr Sampson said:
“I have been in work since leaving university in 1986 – almost 40 years’ service when I do step down in this autumn.
“Throughout this time, I have worked for the NHS, FE/HE colleges, the police, various local authorities – naturally, the best being Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, of course, where I have been here for some 16+ years.
“I will miss Redcar & Cleveland Council, all the people that work here and also everyone who has played a part in building our resilient communities. I would like to thank all those who have worked with me to provide better lives for everyone who lives in the borough.
“While the local government environment remains challenging, I wish the council well and hope that the future good times materialise as planned.”
Council leader, Cllr Alec Brown, paid tribute to John and the huge difference he has made to people’s lives in Redcar and Cleveland. He said:
“John has given years of dedicated service to our council, and he has made a consistent positive difference during this time.
“John faced two massive challenges soon after taking up the role of Managing Director – we suffered a cyber-attack and the following month, the country locked down at the start of the Covid pandemic. John steered the council expertly through those two once-in-a-lifetime emergencies to maintain our services and support our residents through very difficult times.
“Since then, we have faced ongoing financial challenges and, again, John’s expertise and inclusive approach has guided us through further challenges.
“I will miss John’s guidance and good humour – he will be a tough act to follow. John will still be with us for some time, but I would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the very best for the future.”