Dumfries and Galloway Council chief executive retires after 12 years

Chief executive Gavin Stevenson has retired after 12 years at the helm of Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Communities director, Derek Crichton, has been appointed to the role in the interim.

Mr Stevenson said: “It has been a privilege being the chief executive of Dumfries and Galloway Council and having the incredible opportunity to work with such a committed workforce.

“I am very proud of the council’s dedicated staff and how they have risen to the unprecedented challenges of the current pandemic. Their outstanding work with local communities and people in our region every single day is truly inspirational.”

Mr Stevenson has worked in public service for more than 30 years and joined the council as chief executive in 2009. In 2015 he also became its returning officer, overseeing the running of elections.

Council leader Elaine Murray said: “Gavin secured the Borderlands Deal, led improvements in Best Value, and steered the council through extremely challenging times for local government finance. We wish him well in all his future endeavours.”

Depute leader Rob Davidson added: “Gavin is highly respected in Dumfries and Galloway and across Scotland as an innovative and effective chief executive. More recently his work in shaping the council’s response to the pandemic has been exemplary.”

The recruitment process to appoint a new chief executive is now under way with the post to be advertised early in the New Year.