THE chief executive of Bridgend County Borough Council has announced that he will step down from his position with the local authority and retire in 2025.
Mark Shephard took up the role at the helm of the county council almost six years ago, in May 2019, after previously serving as its interim chief executive.
He also spent around 30 years working in other local government roles during his career, most recently working as the corporate director for communities.
He will be remembered for his work in leading the council during the height of the Covid pandemic as well as overseeing the delivery of a number of major projects across the Bridgend area.
Speaking after the announcement Mr Shephard said he would be stepping down from his position in order to spend more time with his family.
He said: “By May 2025 I will have spent more than six years at the helm of the authority and almost four decades working within local government, including both Bridgend County Borough Council and its predecessor Ogwr Borough Council.
“During this time and with the able support of directors, senior officers, and all other colleagues it has been my absolute honour to help guide and lead the organisation not only during several high-profile challenges but also through the hugely important day-to-day provision of essential services which make a real difference to people’s lives.
“While I do not think that there is ever just one reason for choosing the best time to retire this does feel like the right moment for me to pass the baton on and to stand aside in order to spend more time with my family, who have been enormously supportive throughout my career.
“The process of appointing a new chief executive is unlikely to begin until the new year. I have agreed to plan my final working date at the council around this to do all that I can to help ensure the local authority can recruit the best candidate possible and to make a seamless transition.”
