East Lothian Council has announced that Laurence Rockey is preferred candidate for the role of its new Chief Executive.
Laurence – who is currently Director of the Scotland Office – will replace Monica Patterson. Ms Patterson is retiring after 15 years with the council, the last five of which have been spent as Chief Executive.
Council Leader Norman Hampshire said:
“I would like to congratulate Laurence on his new role as our Chief Executive. This will be a fantastic appointment for East Lothian Council and the county we serve.
“As part of a rigorous recruitment and selection process, a number of high-calibre candidates applied. Elected members on the appointment sub-committee were greatly impressed by the expertise and commitment to public service by those who applied.
“As an outstanding candidate, Laurence was able to demonstrate a depth and breadth of experience. He has all of the qualities required to be a successful Chief Executive, while building on our successes and the excellent work of Monica Patterson.
“Working alongside a strong leadership team and our many skilled and committed employees, Laurence will ensure the council is well-positioned to address the challenges and maximise the opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to working with him.”
‘A really exciting time’
Laurence said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be preferred candidate for the role of Chief Executive at East Lothian Council.
“I look forward to working with the whole council to ensure we continue delivering high quality services for the residents of East Lothian.
“It is a really exciting time for East Lothian with some major opportunities for economic development in the pipeline. I look forward to helping deliver these.”
Background
Before taking up his current role with the Scotland Office in November 2020, Laurence was the Head of Strategy and Communications at the City of Edinburgh Council. In this position, he held responsibilities for corporate strategy, council wide change and performance, and communications.
He previously held a number of different senior civil service roles in the UK Government. He played a key role in the creation of City Deals and the wider devolution agenda. Laurence was the Head of the Cities Policy Unit in the Cabinet Office from 2013 to 2015 and the Head of Devolution Strategy at the Cities and Local Growth Unit from 2015 to 2016.
Interim Chief Executive
Lesley Brown, Executive Director, will take on the role of Interim Chief Executive following Monica Patterson's retirement on Friday, 14 February.
This interim arrangement will ensure effective leadership until Laurence takes up his post on 22 April.