Greenwich Council Appoints Rickardo Hyatt as New Chief Executive

Greenwich Council has appointed Rickardo Hyatt as its new Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, a decision unanimously approved at a special council meeting on Monday, September 7, 2026. Mr. Hyatt, who will officially start with effect from a date to be confirmed, was the top candidate throughout an extensive, five-stage recruitment process.

Mr. Hyatt brings a wealth of experience to the role, currently serving as the Deputy Chief Executive and Group Director of Housing, Climate, and Economy at the London Borough of Hackney. Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, who moved the recommendation, highlighted Mr. Hyatt's leadership capability, strategic vision, and the values required to lead the Council through its next phase of development. These values are expected to align with the Council's motto, we govern by serving.

The appointment comes at a time of significant financial challenges for local government. Councillor Charlie Davis, Leader of the Conservative Group, acknowledged the significant financial pressures and enormous budget gap in the coming financial year, which will necessitate choices about what the council does, how it does it and where our resources can make the greatest difference to residents. He expressed a hope that Mr. Hyatt's tenure will mark a further push on transformation across the council, embracing innovation and new technology, challenging established ways of working and being prepared to consider potentially game-changing reform such as shared services.

Councillor Tamasin Rhymes, Leader of the Green Group, described the appointment as a really strong appointment, while Councillor Davis welcomed Mr. Hyatt to what I'm sure you will quickly discover is the best borough in London. He also expressed a willingness to engage constructively on changes that improve services and taxpayer value.

The Director of Human Resources, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer, has been authorised to finalise all necessary contractual and legal processes for the appointment. The proposed salary for the Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service is circa £240,000, with the contract being permanent and full-time. This decision aligns with the Council's mission to be an adaptive, efficient, and effective organisation, as detailed in the Public reports pack.