Charlie Adan appointed chief executive at Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames

Charlie Adan has been appointed by the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames as its new chief executive.

Adan, who will take up her post in mid-August, qualified as a solicitor in 1989, although she no longer holds a practising certificate.

She will join Kingston Council from Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils where she is the joint chief executive.

During her time at Babergh and Mid Suffolk, Adan oversaw the integration of the Smaller, Smarter, Swifter programme, which transformed the two councils’ workforces into one shared service.

The new structure created a more streamlined and flexible council that serves both sovereign authorities and their communities.

Kevin Davis, Leader of Kingston, said: “Our future success as a borough depends on thinking differently and acting quickly. We have a clear vision to deliver greater value to the community we serve, through increased community engagement and smarter working with partners and the private sector.

“Charlie has the proven transformation skills to introduce the changes needed to make Kingston Council a local authority fit for the future. She has a real passion for resident engagement and understands that residents come first. She brings a savvy commercial head and social heart which will help secure Kingston’s reputation as being the best place to live and work. This is an exciting new chapter for Kingston.”

Adan said: “I’m very excited about my new role and working together with the council’s senior leaders who have such a positive approach to meeting future challenges.

“My experience in managing complex change programmes will help to fulfill our ambitious vision and long-term focus on growth and engaging communities. My previous work at the cutting edge of public service reform in two district councils and across Suffolk public services provides a fantastic launchpad for this new role.”

The leaders of Mid Suffolk and Babergh both paid tribute to Adan’s work at their authorities.

Cllr Derrick Haley, Leader of Mid Suffolk, said: "We will be sorry to see Charlie leave, but we are delighted that she has been appointed to such a prominent new role. Since her appointment as Joint Chief Executive for Mid Suffolk and Babergh five years ago, Charlie has been hugely successful in guiding the workforce of both councils through our ground-breaking integration and transformation process."

Cllr Jennie Jenkins, Leader of Babergh, said: "It has been a privilege to work closely with Charlie over the last five years and there is no doubt that her hard work and determination has helped to put both Babergh and Mid Suffolk at the forefront of collaborative and transformational ways of working.  By working constructively with all our partners and external stakeholders, Charlie has ensured everyone remains focused on delivering the very best outcomes for all our communities."