The London Borough of Bexley has announced its new Director of Place.  

Gary Jones will take on the role in the autumn. He joins Bexley from Basildon Borough Council, where he has been Chief Executive with responsibility for wider Place functions including Planning, Place Shaping, Housing, Regulatory Services, Community Safety and Enforcement.

Prior to becoming Chief Executive, Gary spent 24 years at Barking & Dagenham, including service at Director level and has extensive experience across place-based services.  

He has also successfully introduced Community Hubs in previous roles and brings a strong track record of delivering integrated, resident-focused services.  

 Gary Jones said: 

I’m incredibly proud to be joining the London Borough of Bexley as Director of Place. Bexley is a Borough with a fantastic identity and a real focus on delivery and I can't wait to be a part of its future. 

I am excited to get straight to work alongside colleagues, Councillors, partners and residents. Together, we will build on the Borough's strengths and focus on delivering positive outcomes for our local communities". 

Cllr David Leaf, Leader of the London Borough of Bexley, said:

Gary Jones brings with him a wealth of experience leading place-based services and a strong track record of delivering for residents. His experience across planning, housing, regeneration and community services, combined with his commitment to innovation and partnership working, will be a great asset to Bexley. I look forward to working with him as we continue to deliver our priorities and make Bexley an even better place to live, work and invest. 

Following the recent local elections, we have a renewed mandate to continue to implement our ambitious plans including the delivery of our newly adopted Economic Growth Strategy and Cultural Strategy, as well as the ongoing implementation of our investment programme for parks and libraries and roll-out of community hubs. We had a strong field of applicants applying for this role and we are delighted that the clear plans and political stability we offer attracts the brightest and best from local government to want to come and work with us and contribute to the future success of our Great Borough".