The chief executive of East Devon District Council, Mark Williams, has announced his retirement after 21 years in the role.
He is the longest serving district chief executive in England and Wales.
Mark joined the council as assistant chief executive in August 2000 and was promoted to the position of chief executive two years later. He had previously served as chief executive of the former South Somerset District Council for five years.
He also volunteered for 10 years as a lifeboatman with Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat and for six years as a trustee of Devon Air Ambulance.
Looking back on his career with EDDC, he said he is particularly proud of the council’s strong financial position and its achievement of the highest level Investors in People accreditation.
He said: "I would like to thank all the wonderful people I have worked with over the years. A captain is only as good as their team, and I have been blessed to have great support from councillors and officers alike.
"The council is facing significant future challenges and the time is now right to pass the baton."
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