Legally-qualified chief executive to step down after 17 years at helm of London borough

One of the longest-serving legally-qualified chief executives in local government is to step down from his role at a London borough.

Ged Curran, who has been Chief Executive of Merton Council since March 2004, confirmed his departure to the Municipal Journal, saying he would be pursuing other interests.

Mr Curran, who has worked in local government for 33 years, has held board level appointments at Newham, Waltham Forest and Lambeth as well as Merton.

He practised as solicitor before moving into managerial roles. He has a law degree from Bristol University and a Master's degree from the London School of Economics. He also holds management qualifications from Oxford University and the Ashridge Management College.

Merton Council’s Appointments Committee is due to meet on Thursday (21 January) to approve the recruitment process for Mr Curran’s successor.

The committee is also expected to agree to recommend to Full Council at its meeting on 3 February that the council offer a salary in the chief executive salary range of £181,332 - £201,741 per annum is necessary.