Published: Tuesday 12 July 2022
Maxine Holdsworth is set to become the new Chief Executive of Kensington and Chelsea Council.
Subject to approval by councillors at the next Full Council meeting on 20 July, Maxine will be making a return to K&C later this year to succeed Barry Quirk.
Maxine is currently Corporate Director of Homes and Neighbourhoods at Islington Council, but came to assist Kensington and Chelsea Council in the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy, working alongside colleagues for 20 months on the recovery and rehousing effort.
Kensington and Chelsea Council Leader, Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, said:
“After what was an incredibly rigorous and competitive process, I am delighted that the appointment panel chose Maxine.
“I have worked with her previously, and I know her qualities are exactly what we need – her sense of empathy, her focus on the details and challenges that really matter, and her ability to give clear direction to an organisation.
“If councillors agree to the appointment next week, I think we will have the best possible person for what is a demanding and important period for this borough.”
Speaking on her appointment Maxine said:
“Kensington and Chelsea is rightly focused on becoming the best Council. I feel privileged to be chosen to lead that change. It is a challenge set by the bereaved and survivors from Grenfell Tower and accepted by the leader, it is therefore important to me personally and professionally.
“With this challenge and those families foremost in my mind, I am looking forward to getting started. Having worked at the Council already I know the enormous commitment from staff and partners who work hard and really care about what they do.
“Being the best means being ambitious, consistently delivering excellent services, and having Grenfell recovery at the heart of it all. It will be up to all of us to focus our efforts together, with our partners, communities, residents and businesses.”