Interim chief executive

Hastings Borough Council has appointed Robert Cottrill as interim Chief Executive on a shared basis with Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough councils.

The appointment is for an initial six-month period. Robert will continue as the chief executive for Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council, dividing his time between each authority.

In recent times we have also been sharing a limited amount of officer capacity with Lewes and Eastbourne.

This new arrangement further strengthens our partnership with colleagues in Lewes and Eastbourne and enables the council to fully consider options for a permanent chief executive appointment.

Robert has been Chief Executive at Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Council since January 2016 and has 35 years’ experience in the public sector.

His local government career began at Basildon District Council as a planning officer. He then worked in planning and regeneration in the London Boroughs of Westminster, then Tower Hamlets, followed by senior roles at Reigate and Banstead Brough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. 

He was appointed Chief Executive at Eastbourne in 2009 and subsequently to the joint role with Lewes District Council in 2016. He also has experience in a number of board roles, in both the private and public sector.

Robert is a long-time resident of Sussex and lives in Hastings.

Cllr Julia Hilton, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: “We are pleased that Robert has been appointed interim Chief Executive, he brings with him a considerable amount of experience in the public sector. With councils facing similar challenges across the country, we are grateful to be able to have this opportunity to work with Lewes and Eastbourne councils. I am also thankful to both councils for supporting this appointment, recognising the benefit of us all working together."

Robert said: “I am very excited to begin working with Julia, her councillor colleagues, and all the dedicated and talented officers within Hastings Borough Council.

“As a resident of Hastings, I know the town well and consider it a great honour and privilege to be asked to lead our council.

“Local government faces many challenges, but we also have significant opportunities to enhance the services that the people of Hastings rely on.”