CEO of Coventry City Council to step down after 14 years

The chief executive is to leave his role to become a part of Oxfrdshire County Council.

Martin Reeves, the CEO of Coventry City Council, has chosen to leave after 14 years.

Credit to Coventry City Council

Reeves said: “Although I am very sad to be leaving Coventry, the time is right for a new challenge, and I am proud to be remaining in local government which is an area that makes such a positive difference to so many lives.

“I have had the pleasure of working with so many great people here in Coventry and I have been given the opportunity to deliver major change as well as innovative programmes that have changed the way we deliver services to our residents.

“But I’m excited by the new challenge and I know I am leaving Coventry City Council in a much stronger place. I wish my colleagues, the Council and its partners every success for the future.”

He is now due to become the chief executive at Oxfordshire County Council, where he will take over from Interim Chief Executive, Stephen Chandler, who had the position since February 2022.

The date of Reeve’s departure will be agreed once the Oxfordshire County Council appointment has been formally approved. It is subject to formal ratification at the next county council meeting on December 13th.

Councillor George Duggins, Leader of Coventry City Council, said: “Many people across the Council and the city will be sad to see Martin go and I know that this is a challenge that he will relish and be extremely successful in.”

“I wish him all the best for the future. The Council will now start the process of selecting the right person to ensure Coventry continues to thrive and provide great services for our residents.”

During his role as CEO, Reeves over saw significant change within Coventry, such as the city being named as the UK’s city of culture 2021, as well as its role in Birmingham’s 2022 Commonwealth games.

He also encountered controversy during his time as well, namely the Coventry bin strikes, where waste disposal drivers protested over low wages. The strike lasted seven months, ultimately ending in a victory for the drivers.

Credit to Coventry City Council

The deal saw bin lorry drivers' wages increase by 12.9%, meaning an extra £3,600 per year. It also includes Christmas bonuses worth £4,000 that will soon come to fruition, as well as an 8%increase for new workers, worth more than £1,850 per annum.

“Can’t say I’m sad to see him go, [He] made a lot of decision I don’t agree with… Hopefully whoever takes his place actually cares about the city.” Said Jensen Williams, one of the many bin drivers that took part in the strikes.

Reeves also was at the centre of a debate on whether to bail out the Wasps, who have recently gone into administration. The topic led to the CEO narrowly avoiding a vote of no confidence, as not enough councillors supported the motion. He also faced accusations of not taking talks regarding a bailout far enough, and not keeping councillors informed, both of which he denied.