The Chief Executive of Dorset Council is to leave the council in spring next year for a new role as Chief Executive of Wellington City Council in New Zealand.
Matt Prosser has headed the council for six years after being appointed in October 2018, ahead of the council’s formation in 2019.
He previously led Dorset Councils Partnership comprising North Dorset District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council.
A recruitment process will begin shortly to find his successor.
He said: “I have served this fantastic place for over eleven years, and it has been a challenging but highly rewarding experience.
“The most satisfying aspect of my role, and the way we have achieved what we have, is through collaboration with councillors, colleagues, partners and residents.
“I want to thank everyone for their contribution; it has been great to work with you all, and I’m sure our strong culture of partnership will continue.
“My wife and I have always wanted to have the opportunity to live and work abroad.
“I am hugely looking forward to my new role at Wellington City Council. There will be much to learn and, I hope, much I can bring.
“Dorset is wonderful place and has a bright future ahead. I wish all the very best for my successor.”
Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “Matt is an outstanding chief executive who has worked incredibly hard in his time at Dorset with our members, officers, and partners.
“I would like to personally thank Matt for his contribution.
“Thanks to the leadership team he has built and the way we work productively with partners, Dorset Council will be in good hands going forward.”