Hannah Doody has been formally confirmed as the new Chief Executive of the London Borough of Merton following cross-party endorsement at a full council meeting.
Ms Doody has been Director of Community and Housing at Merton Council for the past four years and had previously held senior leadership roles at the Royal Boroughs of Kingston and Greenwich respectively.
Over the past 18 months, she has played a key role both in Merton and across London in the fight against Covid-19, including holding the role of pan-London Lead on PPE and care home testing.
More recently, she has also been the authority’s interim Director of Children, Schools and Families.
Ms Doody will replace outgoing Chief Executive, Ged Curran, who has retired from the authority after 17 years as its most senior officer.
Commenting, Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Mark Allison said:
“We are delighted to confirm Hannah’s appointment.
“Not only has she delivered outstanding leadership to our critical social care services during the past four years, but she has helped us protect vital services like libraries and shown her leadership qualities during the fight against Covid-19, both in Merton and in a range of high-profile pan-London roles.
“At his retirement, I’d also like to put on record what a pleasure it has been to work with Ged Curran.
“Alongside the council’s hardworking staff, he has ensured our borough is a much better place today than when he joined 17 years ago.
“We have seen improvements across schools, leisure and support for low-income families, while protecting key services against austerity cuts.
“We all wish Ged a relaxing and well-earned retirement.”
Ms Doody added:
“I’m immensely proud and privileged to be able to take Merton forward as an organisation and I look forward to working with our residents, councillors and the fantastic staff and partners for whom I’ve built so much respect over the past four years.
“We have a great base to build on, for which we have to thank Ged and his work across two decades and we’re currently undertaking our biggest ever consultation with residents to help us understand their priorities as we emerge from the pandemic.
“There will of course be challenges, but I am excited about the future for the borough.”
