Valerie Watts to Step Down

"The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce greatly regrets Valerie Watts' decision to leave her role as chief executive of Derry City Council to take the same position at Aberdeen City Council. It is understandable that she is moving back to Scotland and the new job represents a major promotion for her.

"But it is unfortunate for Derry that an officer of such high calibre has chosen to leave little more than two years after her appointment. Valerie had begun the job of transforming and improving Derry City Council, but it is a job half done. Under Valerie's leadership, the city council was getting to grips with some ingrained problems, such as the management and governance of the airport and the absenteeism rate at the council. She also played a key role in winning City of Culture for Derry.

"We wish Valerie well in her next job. It is now for Derry City Council and its councillors to make another inspired choice for its next chief executive and to appoint someone who will continue the job of bringing excellent civic leadership into the council. There is still a challenging agenda for change and improvement to be addressed, including raising the game in tourism promotion, economic development and in leisure services. We hope the next chief executive will see through this job."