Inverclyde Council’s chief executive, John Mundell, has announced his retirement from the local authority after ten years in the post.

Prior to joining Inverclyde Council in March 2006, John Mundell worked for East Dunbartonshire Council, Central Regional Council, Lothian Regional Council and the City of Edinburgh Corporation.

John has 42 years local government service. During his service he has been a driving force in national initiatives including the recent Scottish Recycling Charter where John represented SOLACE, the society of local authority chief executives while heading up the council with the highest level of recycling in Scotland.

Inverclyde Council leader, Councillor Stephen McCabe, said: “I am naturally disappointed John is leaving the council but I fully respect his decision. John has been an outstanding chief executive. He has made a huge contribution to the progress the council has made in the last 10 years, which has helped us deliver many improvements for the people of Inverclyde, most notably our ambitious school estates programme.

“The support John has given to me in my time as council leader has been invaluable. He has been a consummate professional and a wise counsel. John is held in similar high regard by all members of the council. He will be a very hard act to follow.”

John Mundell, who will step down in September, added: “I have truly enjoyed my ten years plus as chief executive in Inverclyde and feel genuinely privileged to have been afforded the opportunity at a time when the council was experiencing difficulties in 2006. I have had great satisfaction in taking on the many challenges presented to me throughout my career and I hope that I have helped to introduce many improvements for the benefit of the people of Inverclyde and local government in Scotland. I have learned a great deal, made many friends, and have many memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“Inverclyde is a special place and I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of a talented and dedicated team and I am thankful for the opportunities the council has given me during my tenure.”