Brighton and Hove City Council CEO is leaving the council

Geoff Raw leaves City Council to become Managing Director of ‘Be First’ (Be First London) – a company developing new housing and jobs for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

He will remain in office to assist Brighton and Hove City Council with budget planning and the May 5 local elections.

Mr. Raw joined the Council in 2010 as Strategic Director before becoming Chief Executive in 2015.

“Brighton and Hove is an amazing city with a global reputation for creativity, innovation and vibrancy,” he said.

“It has been my honor to serve the city and its communities for over 12 years, the last eight of those as Chief Executive of the Council.

“I am very proud of what the Council has accomplished for its city during this time, despite greater economic challenges, budget constraints and a Covid pandemic.”

Councilor Phelim Mac Cafferty, Chair of the Council, said: “On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank Geoff for his many years of service to the city.

“His leadership has helped take the organization through truly unprecedented times, including the worst of the pandemic and tremendously challenging budget.

“As the longest-serving chief executive since Brighton and Hove merged into one council, I know he will be deeply missed by many, including the city’s valued partners in healthcare and business. We wish him the best of luck in his new role.”

Details on future leadership arrangements after local elections are to follow, the council said.