Council names new interim chief executive

Derby City Council has named its new interim chief executive.

Following the resignation of Paul Simpson, it has announced that Sam Dennis will take over the role on an interim basis.

Sam joined the city council in November 2020 as director of communities and then became strategic director of place in 2024.

She worked in the civil service for a decade before joining local government in 2011.

Sam manages the services most visible to the public, such as waste collection and recycling, highways and traffic, leisure, culture, parks, environmental protection, community safety, licensing and regulation, planning and the regeneration and future development of Derby.

She said: “I am incredibly honoured to lead Derby City Council as interim chief executive.

“Having worked alongside our dedicated teams for many years, I know that Derby’s greatest strength is the resilience of its people.

“By deepening our relationships with partners and the voluntary sector, we will ensure our city doesn’t just recover from challenges but thrives.

“My focus is on leading our talented workforce through this transition while maintaining the high-quality services our residents expect and deserve.”

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, said: “I’m pleased to welcome Sam as interim chief executive.

“She has been a driving force for our neighbourhoods and a key leader in our resilience work.

“Together, we are committed to supporting our residents and staff as we navigate the Local Government Reorganisation process and lead the city forward into this next chapter.”

Subject to the appointment being approved at a meeting of the full council today, Sam will continue as interim chief executive for an initial six-month period.