Riordan takes up central government health post

Outgoing chief executive Tom Riordan will start work as a permanent secretary in the Department of Health and Social Care this month, with Mariana Pexton confirmed as his interim replacement.

Secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting, described Riordan as a proven public service reformer with extensive experience in health and social care system transformation, adding that “his experience will be invaluable as we deliver the mission of this government to build an NHS and social care system fit for the future”.

Leeds’ meeting of full council this week this week approved the recommendation from its employment committee to appoint the council’s director of strategy and resources, Mariana Pexton, as interim chief executive.

Riordan announced his departure in May. His new post will be based in London and Leeds, with a start date of 23 September.

• Read Place Yorkshire’s interview with Tom Riordan as he prepared to depart Leeds City Council this summer. 

Leeds City Council Leader, Cllr James Lewis said: “I’m very pleased to congratulate Tom on achieving such a crucial role in shaping how we forge better health and social care outcomes for everybody.  Addressing health inequalities and having the right support systems in place are key to creating wider benefits across society.

“Tom’s exceptional abilities for bringing people together and making things happen have been of great benefit to Leeds and our region and will be invaluable in his new role.  I wish him every success as he embraces this exciting opportunity.  He leaves an outstanding legacy here and has built an excellent team to take that work forward.”

Riordan added: “I’m really pleased to be joining the team at the Department and coming back to the Civil Service where I started my career. There are few bigger challenges than health and social care, and not many bigger opportunities to make a positive difference to people.

“I have had an incredibly enjoyable career at Leeds City Council and will miss everyone greatly, but I know I’m leaving the council in safe hands.  I’m looking forward to continuing to work in the city now as a key partner.”

Riordan held the Leeds post for 14 years, having previously set up and ran the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

LCC said that since May, when Riordan declared his intentions to move on, planning for his replacement has taken into account different possible timelines, including the scenario that he may leave slightly earlier than planned.

The recruitment process for his permanent successor is “already well under way alongside that,” said the local authority.