The head of Dundee City Council is to retire next year after six years in the role.
David Martin, who will turn 60 this year, will step down early in 2021, describing the job as chief executive as a “huge privilege”.
He said: “I said when I was appointed that Dundee was a great city, and every day of the last six years has cemented that view.
“Working with ambitious, committed councillors and an inspiring team has, for me, been a highlight of a 33-year career in local government.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with some truly fantastic people in all areas of the Council and across the range of partnerships, businesses and communities working to make the city a great place to live, work and visit.
“Dundee is bold, inclusive and well-regarded and it has been an honour to be part of Team Dundee and play a role in that journey.”
Mr Martin joined the city council in 2014, moving from Renfrewshire.
Since then he has co-chaired the Dundee Partnership, sat on a number of boards including V&A Dundee and Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, and recently led the council’s coronavirus response.
He leaves a salary of £154,898, which includes a basic salary plus extra payments for his role in overseeing last year’s general and European elections.
He said he hopes a new chief executive will help the city “prosper” as it recovers from the pandemic.
“I am confident that Dundee City Council will continue to deliver for local communities and I wish everyone all the best for the future,” he added.
“I will of course continue to work hard to support the city and the council over the period ahead, and to do whatever I can to assist in providing a smooth handover to whoever replaces me as Chief Executive.”
Recruitment for Mr Martin’s replacement will begin in the near future.
Council leader John Alexander said: “I’ve had the good fortune to work alongside David over the last three years as leader of the council and I’ve seen his dedication to the job and passion for the city first-hand.
“I want to thank David for his unwavering support, his service and for his constant striving for improvement as the council’s chief executive of six years.
“He’ll be a hard act to follow, but I’m sure the reputation the city has built over the last few years as a result of that hard work will generate lots of interest in the role.”
“He leaves a lasting legacy that he should be proud of.”
