East Herts Council appoints Fenland corporate director Richard Cassidy as new boss

A new chief executive has been appointed by East Herts Council.

Richard Cassidy will take the helm later this year – at a date yet to be confirmed – following the departure of Liz Watts, who has been in charge for three-and-a-half years.

He joins the authority from Cambridgeshire's Fenland District Council, where he served for 15 years as corporate director with responsibility for community, environment and leisure. Fenland is based in March and covers the neighbouring market towns of Chatteris, Whittlesey and Wisbech.

Mr Cassidy has a wealth of local government experience, with stints at councils in London, Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire over the past 30 years.

He is joining EHC at a critical period with a number of ambitious projects under way, including the Old River Lane town centre development in Bishop’s Stortford, the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town in partnership with Epping Forest and Harlow councils, and major investments in Grange Paddocks and Hartham leisure centres and Hertford Theatre.

Cllr Linda Haysey, leader of East Herts Council, said: “Richard brings with him a huge amount of experience, having led a number of high-profile projects and successful change and transformation programmes at councils across the East of England. We look forward to working with him and I know the council and our residents will benefit from his vast experience.”

Mr Cassidy said: “I was so impressed by the reputation of East Herts Council. It was described as an ambitious council that wants to create a healthier and more sustainable place for its residents.

"I am keen to continue and build upon this transformation and look forward to working with the team and the community."