JGP News

Housing Corporation chief executive Jon Rouse is to be installed as the new chief executive of the London Borough of Croydon.

At the age of 38, Mr Rouse will become one of the youngest leading figures ever installed at a major unitary authority as well as only the sixth chief executive of Croydon in the past 70 years.

An official announcement is expected this week, with the move due to take place by mid-summer.

David Wechsler has held the role for the past 14 years, but is retiring after 37 years with the south London council.

Expressing his disappointment at not being able to participate in the formation of Communities England, Mr Rouse praised the leadership of the Housing Corporation’s chairman, Peter Dixon.

"I could not have asked for a more supportive environment," he said. "Working with the board and colleagues, we have significantly improved the performance of the organisation on all fronts and won the confidence of external stakeholders.

"I am proud of our achievements."

Housing Corporation chairman Peter Dixon said: "The current profile of social housing and its increased prominence in both local and national thinking owe much to his energy and enthusiasm."

Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the chief executive, Croydon council leader Mike Fisher added: "He is highly regarded by many distinguished figures with whom he has worked closely and his accomplishments in the spheres of housing, regeneration and planning should stand him in good stead for many of the challenges Croydon is currently facing."

Croydon is the largest borough in the capital, with a population of more than 340,000.