We're set to appoint a new chief executive
Kim is currently Hackney Council’s group director for neighbourhoods and housing. She is expected to take up her new role in October.
Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham said: 'I am delighted that Kim will be joining us and helping us to deliver our manifesto for change in the borough. I’m particularly proud that we have appointed our first permanent female chief executive. Kim has significant experience of strategically leading high-quality services including the delivery of one of the country’s largest council house-building programmes.'
Extensive experience in local government
Kim has been central in helping Hackney become one of the best performing councils in London.
Kim’s portfolio of experience at Hackney has spanned three director-level roles.
She was director of adult social care for 11 years.
She led the delivery of an innovative programme that will build over 2,000 council homes in Hackney. Most of these will be social rent and shared ownership.
She also has significant experience of transforming services for residents and involving communities in change. This includes:
- housing services
- public health
- planning
- parks
- libraries
- community safety
- regeneration
- transport
- environmental operations.
Kim was instrumental in ensuring the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games brought real and lasting economic and social benefits to Hackney and east London with jobs, skills, training, new parks and open spaces accessible for all.
Kim Wright said: 'I am proud to be joining Lewisham at this time, and look forward to bringing my experience here to help deliver the borough’s vision for change and to working with the mayor and councillors, alongside staff, local communities and partners, to make a real difference to local people’s lives.'
Selection process
The interview process was extensive and rigorous. It included three panels of interviewers from the community, business and elected councillors. There was also a final Member Panel interview.
The appointment will be subject to Council ratification on 24 July 2019.