Former Council Chief Executive receives King’s Birthday Honour
Former Kirklees Council Chief Executive, Jacqui Gedman, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, which were announced by Buckingham Palace today (15 June 2024).
In a 22-year career at Kirklees, Jacqui held several posts at the council, including Director of Economy, Environment and Skills, before being appointed Chief Executive in 2017. During her time as Chief Executive, Jacqui steered the council through the Covid pandemic as well as turning round a Children’s Service department that had been judged to be failing in 2016. In later years, Jacqui oversaw the council’s plans for major economic investment for Huddersfield, Dewsbury and urban centres across Kirklees.
Jacqui retired in October 2023 and has now been honoured for her services to local government.
Her successor as Chief Executive, Steve Mawson, said:
“Jacqui has been a tough act to follow. She is hugely respected not just by her council colleagues but by local councillors and all those partner organisations who deliver public services in Kirklees.
“Jacqui led this council brilliantly through some of its greatest challenges. She was instrumental in turning round our services to children. Jacqui also put in place the foundations for economic transformation across the borough. And she brought the council workforce together during the pandemic. To achieve all of that took rare leadership qualities and a dedication to people and communities in Kirklees.
“On behalf of her former colleagues, I’m delighted to see that Jacqui’s immense contribution to Kirklees has been recognised.”