Mr Martin, who will be 60 in November, said it had been a “huge privilege” to serve in the role for the last six years.

He said: “I said when I was appointed that Dundee was a great city, and every day of the last six years has cemented that view. Working with ambitious, committed councillors and an inspiring team has, for me, been a highlight of a 33-year career in local government. 

“I’ve been fortunate to work with some truly fantastic people in all areas of the council and across the range of partnerships, businesses and communities working to make the city a great place to live, work and visit. 

“Dundee is bold, inclusive and well-regarded and it has been an honour to be part of Team Dundee and play a role in that journey.” 

Mr Martin joined the local authority in 2014 from a similar role in Renfrewshire. 

Since then he has also co-chaired the Dundee Partnership, sat on a number of boards including V&A Dundee and Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, and in recent months led the council’s response to the coronavirus crisis. 

He added: “As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe it is time for new executive leadership to help the city to prosper and move forward over the next few years. I am confident that Dundee City Council will continue to deliver for local communities and I wish everyone all the best for the future. 

“I will of course continue to work hard to support the city and the council over the period ahead, and to do whatever I can to assist in providing a smooth handover to whoever replaces me as chief executive.” 

Recruitment will begin shortly for a new chief executive to lead the council through its long-term recovery plan following the coronavirus crisis. 

Council leader John Alexander said: “I’ve had the good fortune to work alongside David over the last three years as leader of the council and I’ve seen his dedication to the job and passion for the city first-hand. 

“I want to thank David for his unwavering support, his service and for his constant striving for improvement as the council’s chief executive of six years. 

“He’ll be a hard act to follow, but I’m sure the reputation the city has built over the last few years as a result of that hard work will generate lots of interest in the role.” 

Councillor Alexander added: “In spite of many challenges, we have worked collectively to deliver an ambitious agenda which includes developments such as the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, Eden and the Tay Cities Deal. He leaves a lasting legacy that he should be proud of.”