New Chief Executive chosen for Lambeth

Mr Derrick Anderson, CBE, has been selected as the new Chief Executive of Lambeth Council. Mr Anderson, who was born in London, has nearly twenty years' management experience in local government and more than 25 years in the public sector.

Currently employed as Chief Executive of Wolverhampton City Council, Mr. Anderson also holds positions on a variety of bodies ranging from non-executive director on the Home Office General Executive Board to Chair of Sport England West Midlands, and is a member of the Nations and Regions Committee for the London 2012 Olympics.

He was awarded a CBE for services to local government in January 2003 and holds an honorary doctorate from Staffordshire University for work on social inclusion and cultural policy.

With a keen interest in sports and the arts, Mr. Anderson’s outside interests include working with aid and development agencies in Southern Africa and the Caribbean, and athletics coaching.

Mr. Anderson said, "This is an irresistible and exciting opportunity. I’m really looking forward to working with and for the people of Lambeth to deliver the excellent services they need and deserve".

Lambeth Council leader Cllr. Peter Truesdale commenting on the appointment said, "We are delighted to have recruited such a senior and experienced chief executive, and look forward to working with him."

Cllr. John Whelan, Lambeth Council deputy leader said; "Derrick has a real 'wow' factor, and a fantastic CV. At 48, he is a real breath of fresh air for Lambeth. It's a new beginning for the Council and our entire community. He enjoys running to keep fit and we’re told he spends his holidays as a volunteer working in Mozambique. He has buckets of charisma and 10 years' experience as a Chief Executive of Wolverhampton, another highly diverse urban environment with lots of challenges."

Cllr. Steve Reed, Leader of the Opposition said, "Derrick Anderson is a real catch for Lambeth. He has the strength of character, the leadership qualities and the experience this Council needs to sort out the many serious challenges we face in getting Lambeth back on track to deliver the services that our residents expect and deserve."

If his appointment is agreed at a full council meeting on Wednesday 23 November, Mr. Anderson is due to take up his post in the new year.