Council chief to stand down after 20 years

After 27 years at Gloucestershire County Council, Pete Bungard has announced that he will be retiring next year.

Having first joined the council in 1998 as director of environment, Bungard took up the role of chief executive on 5 May 2005, meaning he will have held the role for exactly 20 years on the day he retires.

He says he felt that with the county council elections taking place next May, it was a “sensible time to hand over the reins to someone new.”
Bungard has worked under three council leaders, firstly Barry Dare and then 14 years with Mark Hawthorne, and more recently with Stephen Davies.

Bungard said: “It has been an absolute privilege to have worked for such a fantastic local authority for almost three decades. Whilst so much has changed over the years, which in many ways is what has made my time with GCC so enjoyable, one thing has remained consistent: the dedication and hard work of GCC staff. I have been lucky enough to work with so many talented people over the years, all applying their experience and expertise to support Gloucestershire’s diverse communities.

“I have also been fortunate enough to have enjoyed strong working relationships with each of the Leaders I have worked under. Without this shared commitment and mutual understanding, the job of chief executive can be very challenging.”

Cllr Stephen Davies, leader of the council, said: “Although I have only worked closely with Pete for a relatively short period of time, it is clear to me that the strength and depth he has offered the council for so many years will be sorely missed. He has been a great servant of Gloucestershire, and I want to put on record my thanks to him and, when it comes, wish him a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.”

The process to recruit a new chief executive is expected to begin later this month.