John Barradell OBE takes over as new Chief Executive of the City of London Corporation

17 September 2012

John Barradell OBE takes over as new Chief Executive of the City of London Corporation, the elected  body at the heart of London’s Square Mile global business district

TODAY (Monday) John Barradell OBE takes over as Chief Executive and Town Clerk of the City of London Corporation, the elected body at the heart of London’s Square Mile global business district around St Paul’s.

Mr Barradell, who was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council and formerly Deputy Chief Executive of Westminster City Council, previously spent 22 years in the private sector at firms such Unisys and Hewlett Packard.  He replaces Chris Duffield who stepped down last week after 39 years in local government.

Mark Boleat, elected Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, said:

“Chris Duffield is a hard act to follow but I am sure John Barradell will build on his predecessor’s considerable achievements and will, as our most senior public servant, help take the City Corporation forward to meet the many challenges ahead.’’

Mr Barradell said:

“The City of London Corporation plays a unique role at the heart of a thriving London, helping not just to support the capital as global hub for business - but also to help grow communities across London and deliver high quality and iconic services. As a Londoner, I look forward to doing my best to help sustain and develop all that work – whether it is delivered in the Square Mile itself, across London, or globally.’’

At Westminster Mr Barradell played a key role in its response to the terror attacks of 7/7 and he also led on a major organisational change programme which improved the focus of frontline services.

Chris Duffield, previously a London Borough Chief Executive before joining the City of London Corporation in 2003, said:

‘’No other local elected body in the UK has the same blend of modern relevance and historic role as the City of London Corporation. Elected Members and officers alike have always been determined to ensure that the City of London Corporation – and the City - serves London and the wider UK. John Barradell’s experience and expertise will ensure he is very well able to take forward that work.’’

Ends

Notes to editors

1. Media enquiries
   Sanjay Odedra, Senior Media Officer, City of London Corporation
   T 020 7332 1835 / M 07831 542 856
   E sanjay.odedra@cityoflondon.gov.uk
2. About the City of London Corporation
   The elected City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation that supports and promotes the City as the world leader in international finance and business services and provides local services and policing for those working in, living in and visiting the Square Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the nation. These include: the City of London Police; the Barbican Centre and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama; the Guildhall Library and Art Gallery and London Metropolitan Archive; a range of education provision (including three City Academies); five Thames bridges (including Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge); the Central Criminal Court at Old Bailey; over 10,000 acres of open spaces (including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest), and three wholesale food markets. It is also London’s Port Health Authority and runs the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow. It works in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on the regeneration of surrounding areas and the City of London Corporation’s charity, the City Bridge Trust, which it oversees, donates more than £15m to charity annually.​