Bradford Council chief executive Kersten England CBE is set to retire after eight years serving the city.
The CEO, who has worked in local government for 33 years, will leave her role at the end of June 2023.
Ms England announced the news on social media through photos of an emotional email sent to staff at Bradford Council.
In the email, the council chief said: "Dear Colleagues I write to let you know that, after 33 years in local government, 14 of which as a Chief Executive, I have decided to retire at the end of June of this year.
"I've been privileged to work for the elected members and communities of Kirklees, Calderdale and York, as well as working across the whole of the region in my time in central government as Director of Local Government for Yorkshire and the Humber.
"But it is Bradford, where I have lived for over 30 years, working for the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council for 20 years, eight of which as its Chief Executive, which has and always will have my heart. I know this to be an extraordinary place, full of talented, tenacious and generous people and served by 90 dedicated locally elected members.
"Over the last 8 years we've achieved a great deal. There is renewed ambition, determination and confidence across our District.
"Winning designation as the UK City of Culture 2025 is the most direct recognition of this.
"But alongside this major regeneration and transport schemes are in delivery right across our District which will revitalise our city and town centres.
"I've always been passionate about inclusive and sustainable growth and it's good to see the creation of jobs in the 'green economy' and rising wage levels.
A message to my colleagues and friends in the brilliant #teamBradford pic.twitter.com/gqMdB5mVoO
— K England CBE 💙 (@kersten_england) January 9, 2023
"I know how hard we work with the private sector, schools and the FE and HE sector to create the conditions for that to happen.
"I'm proud of the part that Bradford played in securing the devolution deal for West Yorkshire which is bringing increased investment into the District, and the strengthened collaboration that exists across our five local authorities.
"We worked hard with our colleagues to land the decision of Channel 4 to locate in West Yorkshire. It's good to see increased investment in screen skills and our talented filmmakers. It's also great to see more of Bradford on screen and receiving BAFTA nominations!
"Our wider work on climate change and tackling health inequalities is impressive and has received national attention and awards in recent years. The deep partnership we have with 'Born in Bradford' has enabled us to take important and innovative action to improve the health and early education of children and increase levels of physical activity and participation in the arts and culture.
"Despite huge commitment and collective investment of energy and finance delivering sustained improvement in Children's social care has been tough.
"In the last year we've worked intensively to build the Bradford District Children and Families Trust which begins operating in April this year.
"I know this will provide a strong basis for our dedicated team of staff to continue to improve services for children and families across the district.
"I'm particularly proud of the way we all worked together and alongside our communities through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid pandemic. The Chief Medical officer Chris Whitty recognised the positive impact of our unique collaboration between clinicians, academics."
She added: "Though I will step away in June I will never stop being a champion and advocate for Bradford.
"Meantime there is work to do. It's in the nature of this job that the work is never finished. But I want to hand on the baton to a new Chief Executive to give them the best start possible. There is a budget to support Councillors to set, the Trust to get up and operating, a set of local elections to run and important work to ensure we are ready as a District to deliver a fabulous year of Culture in 2025.
"I will see many of you between now and the end of June. I'd like to be able to thank each of you directly for everything you've contributed to this journey that we've made.
"With my very best wishes,
"Kersten."
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.
Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.
Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk, contact us here or call us on 01274 705292.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article