Cumberland Council’s chief executive will retire at the end of this year.
Andrew Seekings said he was stepping down due to personal reasons.
He said: “This has been a difficult decision and made for personal reasons. Following a recent operation, and after reflecting on the loss of several close friends over the past few years, I have spent a great deal of time considering my own health and wellbeing.
“I have concluded that the time is right for me to retire now and spend more time with my family and friends.”
Formerly the chief executive of the then Allerdale council for almost 10 years, in 2022 Mr Seekings became chief executive of the shadow authority prior to Cumberland Council’s formation in April 2023.
Mr Seekings added: “It has been a genuine privilege and honour to lead Cumberland Council since its formation and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved.
“Through dedication, professionalism and commitment, we have successfully established a new unitary council and built services that place residents at the heart of everything we do.
“We have made significant improvements across many areas of the organisation while delivering more than £50 million of savings over the past three years.
“These achievements are a testament to the hard work and commitment of colleagues across the council and the partnerships we have made with organisations across Cumberland.
“As we begin the process of recruiting my successor, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition.
“Over the coming months, my focus will remain firmly on delivering our key priorities, including continued regeneration activity across Cumberland, and major projects such as Cumberland Sports Village.”
Prior to joining Allerdale council, he was head of transformation with Sunderland City Council between June 1998 and May 2013.
