Council chief executive announces retirement

CARMARTHENSHIRE Council chief executive Mark James has announced he is to retire.

Mr James, who has been at the helm of the council for almost 17 years, will retire in June when he turns 60.

He has spent more than 40 years in local government, taking up post in Carmarthenshire in March 2002 and previously serving as chief executive at Boston Borough Council.

He has also worked in Westminster and Barnet in London.

“It has been an honour and privilege to lead a great team of officers at Carmarthenshire over the last 17 years,” he said.

“I have been delighted to be part of this exciting regeneration of our county.

“I want to pay tribute to the many councillors who have helped to shape this programme of development and to thank them for their support and confidence.”

He added: “Having been a chief executive for over 23 years, it is now time to hand over the reins.

“While it is a rewarding and satisfying job, it is also highly demanding and all-consuming.

“I wish my successor all the very best and know that the fantastic team of officers at the council will continue to deliver firstclass services and developments for Carmarthenshire.”

Council leader councillor Emlyn Dole said: “Mark has been a great leader and ambassador for Carmarthenshire.

“He has delivered so much in his time as chief executive and we will miss him enormously.

“I thank him for his tireless dedication to the county and for his unstinting and selfless work to regenerate Carmarthenshire. We owe him a huge thanks and gratitude for all he has done over the past 17 years.”