The chief executive of Stirling Council has resigned from the position effective from today.

The local authority said Stewart Carruth advised of his decision yesterday, after “a very successful four years” in post.

Having joined Stirling Council in August 2013 as depute chief executive and progressing to chief executive the following year, Stewart has led the organisation through challenging times of change within the public sector, successfully negotiating and achieving the signing of the recent City Region Deal. In this period there has been service delivery modernisation within the council and a progressive approach to budgeting, the council added.

Cllr Scott Farmer, leader of Stirling Council, said: “I would like to thank Stewart for all his hard work as chief executive. He is leaving the council ready and looking forward to embracing the challenges of the future. I and my fellow councillors, wish Stewart every success for the future.”

Stewart Carruth said: “It has been an enormous privilege to serve the council and the communities of Stirling. I have relished the opportunity to work with and learn from many excellent colleagues and the wider dedicated workforce. I have been very fortunate to work with our elected members and partners to help shape the future of the Stirling area, which means so much to me and my family.

“I am proud of what we have achieved together in changing the landscape and reputation of the area during that time, from the Stirling City Commission, CivTech, City Fibre, Founders 4 Schools, Reimagining the City Centre, Digital Hub and of course securing the City Region Deal for Stirling and Clackmannanshire. I wish all staff every success in the future and look forward to seeing the many projects and plans now in place come to fruition during the coming years.”

Current depute chief executive Carol Beattie will take up the position of interim chief executive with immediate effect.